Project Materials

INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AMONG REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN GENERAL HOSPITAL

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study 

Wireless phones and the Internet are becoming commonplace in the information and communication landscape of almost all developing nations (Digital Opportunity Initiative, 2001).

Radio and television have grown in popularity and importance over the last 20 years, and they have had a major impact on reproductive health. The following big innovation wave is information and communication technology. Mobile web-based PDAs and SMS (Short Message Service) are part of it (WAJU, 2003).

A window into the vast world and an unrivalled resource, the Internet gives people in otherwise information hungry environments a leg up. It helps people get in touch with doctors and other medical staff, keeps track of how many services people need, and allows government agencies and health organisations to update data more rapidly for monitoring (SCIPICH, 1999).

According to Gustafon et al. (1999), clients can effectively manage their conditions, receive health treatments, and change their behaviour with the support of interactive websites that offer specialised reproductive health information and other services.

How has the use of information and communication technology been embraced by reproductive health professionals in Nigeria? According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), Nigeria’s reproductive health system is falling behind in comparison to other developing nations in terms of information and communication technology (ICT). This was highlighted in 2001 and 2003.

The enormous expense of educating and retraining trainers among reproductive health experts (e.g., in life saving skills (LSS)) and maintaining the network of professionals is a major concern, and Sayki (2003) argued that information communication technology could be the solution. This calls for an in-depth evaluation of the reproductive health care providers’ abilities at the General Hospital in Ikot Ekpene.

Since the turn of the century, the proliferation of ICT has been one of the most noticeable obstacles to health communication. According to Jackson and Duffy (1998), the globe is experiencing a communication revolution. As the world shrinks into a worldwide electronic communication village, news outlets including newspapers, radio, and television are able to reach audiences of billions.

Suddenly, millions of homes in underdeveloped nations can freely listen to the radio, watch television, and connect to the GSM network. Additionally, databases are now available online or on CD-ROM;

they have the potential to supersede libraries, expand into areas where none previously existed, and alter almost every facet of healthcare delivery.

Akinumiju and Fabumni (1997) state that the ease and accessibility of information in the modern era has created unprecedented levels of direct connection between individuals and groups, hence transforming the way people communicate.

For example, according to Piotrow et al. (1997), Chinese doctors were so baffled by a dying woman’s condition that they posted her symptoms online, requesting a global hospital diagnosis. Eighty other doctors verified the diagnosis that a doctor from the US sent the same day.

In what ways has the digital divide impacted the field of reproductive health in our country? The disparity in information availability between the well-off and the poor has grown wider, as pointed out by Piotrow et al. (1997).

Therefore, reproductive health experts should act as advocates for persons who lack access to reproductive health care, particularly in rural regions, so that these services can be efficiently provided.

In addition, the success of many reproductive health programs hinges on the dissemination of correct information to both patients and healthcare practitioners in a way that is both understandable and easy to remember. Pobjola (1992) stated that practitioners’ access to clinical information and the quality of clinical processes can be enhanced through the use of ICT.

In addition to housing reproductive health data, it is a practical tool for clinicians’ knowledge upgrading, rapid referral, and consulting.

It may be cost-effective and lead to considerable improvements in reproductive health outcomes to connect dispersed or decentralised health systems, as is the situation in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State specifically (DOl, 2001).

Efficiency, time savings for providers and clients, better access to trustworthy information, and new opportunities have all resulted from the proliferation of fast and direct communication channels like cell phones, email, the Internet, etc., which has enhanced referral and supply systems (particularly in emergency situations), improved epidemiological monitoring systems, and decreased isolation.

The purpose of this study is to examine the information-seeking mindset of reproductive health workers working at General Hospital Ikot Ekpene. Given their background features – remoteness, poor welfare status, and poor current ICT facilities base – it is also attempted to examine the quality of these professionals’ utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have the potential to greatly improve reproductive health when used appropriately, according to mounting research.

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in healthcare is on the rise in Nigerian hospitals. In addition, patients are becoming more knowledgeable about reproductive health and are demanding more from their doctors as a result.

Depending on their level of electronic readiness, providers will have different capacities to tackle these difficulties.

How well-versed are reproductive health practitioners in the use of information and communication technologies?

How do these experts often seek out information?

Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine how reproductive health professionals at General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, make use of information and communication technologies.