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

The Internet and wireless cellphones are becoming aspects in the communication and information environment in practically every developing country (Digital opportunity Initiative, 2001).

In the previous two decades, radio and televisions grew quite ubiquitous and played key roles in reproductive health. Now information Communication Technology represents the next big wave of innovation. It comprises ‘mobile web’ Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and short Message Service (SMS) (WAJU, 2003).

The Internet provides people in otherwise information starved surroundings with an unrivalled resource and window on the wide world. It enhances interaction between health professionals and customers, and regulates demand for services; enable health organisation and government update information for more swiftly for surveillance (SCIPICH, 1999).

Gustafon et al (1999) noticed that interactive website providing personalised Reproductive Health Information and other services can be beneficial in helping client manage diseases, get health care or provide aid in modifying behaviour.

How have reproductive health professional in Nigeria embrace information communication Technology? American Nurses Association ANA, 2001 and 2003 stated that information communication Technology which has influenced greatly in reproductive health indeveloped countries has left their counterpart in Nigeria lagging behind.

Moreso Sayki (2003) supported information communication technology as a cure to lower this significant financial expense of training and retraining trainers among reproductive health experts (for instance, in life saving skills (LSS)) and sustaining the network of specialists. This needs a vivid examination of skill capacity of reproductive health workers in general Hospital, Ikot Ekpene.

One of the most obvious problems of health communication in the 21st century is the introduction of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The globe is undergoing communication revolution (Jackson and Duffy, 1998). Publications, radio and television are now reaching billions of people around the world in what is quickly becoming a worldwide electronic Communication village.

Radio, television, and the global system for mobile telecommunication (GSM) are now directly and unrestrictedly available to millions of households in developing nations.

Additionally, databases are now available online and on CD-ROM. They can take the place of libraries, go where none previously existed, and alter almost every facet of healthcare delivery.

Akinumiju and Fabumni (1997) claim that modern information access has transformed communication and created direct connections between individuals and groups on a scale never before achievable.

Piotrow et al. (1997), for example, described how Chinese doctors, perplexed by a dying woman’s condition, posted her clinical symptoms online and sent out a general call for a proper diagnosis to hospitals worldwide. Eighty additional doctors confirmed the diagnosis within the same day after a U.S. physician sent the accurate diagnosis.

What impact has the digital divide had on the field of reproductive health? It has been noted by Piotrow et al. (1997) that the rich and the poor have a wider disparity in access to electronic information.

Reproductive health professionals must therefore act as their advocates to ensure effective delivery of reproductive health services, as those who need them the most (particularly in rural areas) may have the least access.

Additionally, a lot of reproductive health programs rely on factual information that is conveyed to the public and healthcare professionals in a way that is both memorable and useful enough for them to use when necessary.

ICT has been observed by Pobjola (1992) to enhance practitioners’ access to clinical information and the calibre of clinical procedures. It is a useful tool for updating providers’ knowledge, facilitating prompt referrals and consultations, and acting as a repository for reproductive health data.

It is affordable and has the potential to greatly enhance reproductive health outcomes to connect dispersed or decentralised health systems, as is the case in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State in particular (DOl, 2001).

In addition to improving supply and referral systems (particularly in emergency situations), epidemiological monitoring systems, and reducing isolation, the ability to communicate swiftly and directly via cell phone, email, the Internet, and other means has also improved efficiency, saved time for both clients and providers, and given Nigerian reproductive health professionals better access to opportunities and trustworthy information, putting them on par with their international counterparts.

Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the information-seeking behaviour of reproductive health specialists at General Hospital Ikot Ekpene.

Additionally, an attempt is made to evaluate these professionals’ information and communication technology (ICT) utilisation status in light of their background characteristics, which include remoteness, low welfare status, and a lack of adequate ICT facilities.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem 

There is mounting evidence that, in the correct circumstances, ICTs can significantly improve reproductive health. Hospitals in Nigeria are increasingly becoming ICT driven and are utilizing certain level of ICT in their operation.

And greater access to information and new ideas on reproductive health is inspiring client to ask for and expect more from providers.

The ability of providers to meet these challenges depends on their electronic readiness status.

What is the level of awareness/utilization of ICT by reproductive health professionals?

What are the information seeking attributes of these professionals?

Thus, this research is envisioned to access the consumption status of ICT by Reproductive Health professionals in General hospital, Ikot Ekpene