Health information-seeking behaviours of Egyptian women in Cairo Governorate: A field study on informal areas

Abstract

Health information is an essential component of any health system. It is needed to inform the policy and planning process. Data should be useful, easy to collect, rather than requiring too much time from healthcare providers. The general public has more opportunities than ever before to take an active role in their own healthcare. Despite these opportunities, there are still many questions about the underlying barriers to seeking preventive health information. The recent rhetoric about inclusive development, for which people are of course responsible, becomes in most cases a myth among the real obstacles and issues faced by societies. Since it is the members of this society who will experience this progress and development, they must at least be able and willing to exert the effort necessary for development. This, of course, can only be achieved when they enjoy at least mental, psychological and physical health that enables them to work and continue to work. It has become unlikely and even impossible to talk about development without talking about the health of those involved. Since health is one of the main criteria in determining the levels of progress and backwardness of societies. It has become necessary to pay attention to this aspect in a practical, fast and effective manner, and as concerned researchers, and as individuals belonging to this society, we chose to contribute to this research, even out of a sense of responsibility, which tries to reveal the health information-seeking behaviour of Egyptian working women in informal areas.