Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of Computers Among Healthcare Workers in Benue South, Nigeria

Literature confirms that the low success rate of eHealth systems is closely linked to inadequate computer knowledge. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and utilization of computers among healthcare workers in Benue South. An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study design was conducted in 120 health facilities, including primary healthcare centres, and private clinics. This study involved 430 healthcare workers. Using Python programming, descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the level of computer knowledge and utilization among participants, as well as to identify factors influencing their computer knowledge and utilization. Of the 430 participants, 233 (54.19%) of healthcare workers passed the computer knowledge test, 216 (50.23%) of health workers have access to computers, and 221 (51.40%) of them had undergone formal computer training. The findings revealed that 263 (61.16%) of healthcare workers exhibit good computer utilization, while 167 (38.84%) demonstrated poor utilization. Access to a computer (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.83, 95% CI 0.48-1.60), and prior computer training (AOR=3.34, 95% CI 0.65-1.76) were found to be significantly associated with computer knowledge, while Access to a computer (AOR=2.98, 95% CI 0.48-1.70), Sex (AOR=2.23, 95% CI 0.28-1.32), Department (AOR=1.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.11), and prior computer training (AOR=5.53, 95% CI 1.10-2.32) were found to be significantly associated with computer utilization. These findings imply that improved access to computers and comprehensive computer training for healthcare professionals is vital for improved service delivery.