INFORMATION-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG YOUTHS IN POTISKUM, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the information-seeking behaviour of youths in Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria. Four objectives guided the study: to ascertain existing information-seeking behaviour; identify information needs; identify information sources used to manage health; and assess how information received affected respondents’ way of life. A quantitative descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected through a structured Google Forms questionnaire distributed through email and social-media platforms, producing a self-selected online sample. After data cleaning, 102 valid responses were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Active searching was the most reported information-seeking behaviour (40.2%), followed by passive information-seeking (26.5%), passive attention (16.7%), and ongoing search (16.7%). The leading information needs were skills acquisition (36.3%) and employment (23.5%). The main health-information sources were the Internet (24.5%), social media (24.5%), and family members (22.5%). Information received most frequently assisted respondents in knowing how and where to obtain valid information (30.4%), navigating the Internet for information searches (23.5%), and recognising the importance of timely help-seeking (22.5%). The findings describe the connected respondents who participated and should not be generalised to all youths in Potiskum. The study recommends targeted information-literacy, employment and skills-information support through relevant state institutions and youth-serving channels.