Abstract
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a critical role in supporting vulnerable individuals, particularly in conflict-affected environments where access to healthcare and structured information systems is limited. In Maiduguri, Borno State, many female caregivers residing in micro Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) settlements face significant challenges in accessing reliable information required for effective caregiving.
This study examined the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of caregivers in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised caregivers attending selected Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) sites within micro IDP settlements in Maiduguri. Over 1000 households were targeted, of which only lactating mothers visiting the OTP were purposively sampled for the study, thus comprising 185 caregivers. With the help of two research assistants, data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that caregivers primarily needed information on disease management (28.1%), medication use (20.5%), hygiene and sanitation (16.2%), nutrition and feeding (14.6%), and access to healthcare services (11.9%). Health professionals (78.0%), community members/peers (70.3%) and radio (64.9%) were the most available and frequently consulted information sources. The study further showed that caregivers' information-seeking behaviour was largely situational and driven by immediate caregiving needs rather than routine information seeking. The study concluded that caregivers in Maiduguri have predominantly health-related information needs and exhibit a situational, need-driven information-seeking behaviour. Their reliance on health professionals, community networks, and radio underscores the importance of accessible and trusted information sources in conflict-affected settings. The study recommends strengthening caregiver education programmes, community health information networks, and accessible health communication channels to improve information access and caregiving outcomes.