Oluwapelumi A. Ala
Leaving No One Behind: Addressing the Digital Divide in Health Information Access among Vulnerable Populations in Nigeria
Oluwapelumi A. Ala
HealthFacts Nigeria
oluwapelumiala@gmail.com
Ibukun E. Fowe
Health information needs, sources, and barriers in the digital age are underexplored among Blue-Collar Nigerian Workers in Local Markets (BCNWLM). This study examined how minimally educated BCNWLMs access health information, their preferences, and challenges. A cross-sectional survey of 137 BCNWLMs during medical outreach in Ibadan markets, Nigeria, used structured questionnaires to collect data on demographics, health information preferences, satisfaction, and barriers. Health metrics (BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar) classified participants as "Needs Help" (27.0%), "At Risk" (34.3%), or "Healthy" (16.1%). Statistical analyses identified predictors of preferences and barriers. Study participants were predominantly female (74.5%, n=102). Nearly half (46.0%) of respondents were traders with low education (67.2% completed primary or secondary education). The "Needs Help" participants favored traditional channels (48.4% preferred TV or radio), reflecting cultural familiarity and accessibility. However, a borderline correlation (r=0.17, p=0.066) linked traditional methods to poorer health categories. The "Healthy" group leaned toward mobile platforms (31.8% social media; 27.3% SMS), though these showed limited transformative impact (r=-0.076, p=0.417). Satisfaction was highest among "Needs Help" participants (mean=3.68), likely due to tailored outreach using familiar traditional platforms, but lowest among "Healthy" participants (mean=3.42), indicating gaps in digital platform engagement. Higher education reduced reliance on traditional methods (r=-0.42, p < 0.001), while older participants preferred them slightly (r=0.20, p=0.025). Younger respondents, particularly females, engaged more with mobile tools, as age negatively correlated with mobile health access (r=-0.37, p < 0.01). Systemic, cultural, and educational barriers shape health information access among BCNWLMs. High-risk groups ("Needs Help") rely on traditional methods, while younger, healthier individuals favor mobile platforms. Education significantly reduces traditional reliance, highlighting the importance of improving health literacy. Culturally relevant interventions such as storytelling, social prescriptions, and mobile tools can better engage underserved populations. Although the study's cross-sectional design limits its ability to establish causality and capture complex narratives, the findings demonstrate the importance of designing equitable, human-centered health systems that blend traditional and modern communication strategies.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Oluwapelumi A. Ala, MD, is a distinguished medical graduate from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree with a distinction in Psychiatry. He has been recognized with several academic honors, including nominations for the Princess (Dr.) Juliana A. Olowe Memorial Prize in Neonatology and the Professor A.O.K. Prize in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. As Operations Manager at HealthFacts Nigeria, Oluwapelumi oversees strategic communications, team coordination, and community health initiatives, including medical outreaches and webinars. He has also contributed to health awareness through creative content development. As an early-career researcher with hands-on experience as a neuroscience research lab assistant at the Institute of Advanced Medical Research and Training, University of Ibadan, Dr. Ala is skilled in genomics research techniques, including DNA extraction, quantification and processes leading to downstream applications of DNA. His research contributions extend across neurobiobanking, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and mental health. He has co-authored manuscripts and presented on diverse topics, including mental health among healthcare workers. Dr. Ala’s research interests include health information systems, digital health innovations, wellness, and neuroscience. Fluent in English and Yoruba, he combines technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills.
Dr. Ibukun E. Fowe, MD, PhD, is a global public health leader dedicated to advancing patient-centered research through human-centered approaches to health monitoring and improving outcomes using emerging digital health technologies. With over 15 years of experience in health information technology research across Global Public Health, Neurology, Oncology, and Endocrinology, Dr. Fowe has become a pioneer in integrating digital health innovations with implementation science within health systems. Her research emphasizes leveraging mobile and wearable devices to empower patients and enhance personalized care. Dr. Fowe addresses barriers to technology adoption, ensuring solutions align with patients' needs and preferences. By focusing on patient-generated health data, she has advanced the accuracy and accessibility of health monitoring systems. As a leader in implementation science, Dr. Fowe collaborates globally to drive telehealth adoption and improve chronic disease management. Her work in learning health systems and human-centered design informs strategies to reduce disparities and promote healthcare equity. Through impactful research, mentorship, and advocacy, Dr. Fowe inspires a transformation in public health and digital innovation. Her contributions foster systems that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of individuals, advancing equitable and effective healthcare worldwide.