Utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) among undergraduate health science students: a cross-sectional study

Samuel Hailegebreal; Tigists Tolessa Sedi; Selamawit Belete; Kirubel Mengistu; Anteneh Getachew; Daniel Bedada; Mebrie Molla; Tamiru Shibiru; Shegaw Anagaw Mengiste

doi:10.1186/s12909-022-03296-9

Utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) among undergraduate health science students: a cross-sectional study

BMC Med Educ. 2022 Mar 30;22(1):215. doi: 10.1186/s12909-022-03296-9.

Authors

Samuel Hailegebreal¹, Tigists Tolessa Sedi², Selamawit Belete², Kirubel Mengistu², Anteneh Getachew², Daniel Bedada², Mebrie Molla², Tamiru Shibiru³, Shegaw Anagaw Mengiste⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia. samuastd@gmail.com.
² Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
³ School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
⁴ University of South-Eastern Norway, Post office box 235, N-3603, Kongsberg, Norway.

Abstract

Background: We already know that incorporating information and Communication technology (ICT) into every aspect of human activity result in significant change and makes tasks easier to complete. It can help in areas of healthcare systems and medical education. Therefore, this study aimed to assess utilization ICT and its associated factors among Arba Minch University College Medicine and Health Science students.

Methods: A cross sectional study design was conducted in June through August 2021 among under graduate students in college of medicine and health science at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on the students' socio-demographic factors as well as the utilization ICT. The data entry form was prepared with Epi-data 3.1 versions software and STATA version 14 software was used to analyze the data.

Results: A total of 355 participants enrolled in the study, with a response rate of 98.34%. The percentage of students who used ICT was 55.77% [95% CI, 0.50, 0.60]. Regarding of field of study, health informatics students (84%) used the most ICT, while midwifery students (52%) used the least. Urban resident [AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.08, 3.16], ICT knowledge [AOR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.25, 6.40], having formal training of ICT [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.06,3.48], having IT in current course study [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.23, 3.84], and had good IT skill [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.34, 4.23] revealed a significant and positive correlation with the use of ICT.

Conclusion: In the current study previous residence, ICT knowledge, having formal training, having IT in current courses, and IT skill were significantly associated with student ICT utilization. Therefore, the university should continue to invest in professional development in order to improve teaching and student performance, as well as provide the college with student-centered ICT computer labs to encourage students to use technology.

Keywords: Communication; Health science student; Information; Technology; Utilization.

MeSH terms

Communication
Cross-Sectional Studies
Humans
Information Technology*
Students*
Technology