Health extension workers’ digital literacy and their attitude towards community-level electronic health information systems in Tiro Afata Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Digital literacy and acceptability of electronic data management devices are critical factors for proper data management and use. In Ethiopia, the electronic community health information system has been introduced in 2018. However, little is known about the digital literacy and acceptability of electronic devices by Ethiopian health extension workers. This study aims to assess digital literacy and explore the acceptability of digital devices among health extension workers in Tiro Afata Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A facility-based case study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative research methods from March to April 2021. Data were collected from 45 health extension workers. Seven questions (items) were used to measure digital literacy, and attitude of health extension workers was examined using 10 items. We have computed index for digital literacy and attitude toward digital technologies. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse and describe characteristics of health workers and outcome variables, and thematic analysis was performed for qualitative data.
Results: Less than half (11 or 45.8%) of health extension workers had high digital literacy, and positive attitude towards digital tools. The health extension workers mentioned that the factors including benefits and user friendliness of the digital tool, and presence of technical and material supports were facilitators to acceptability of electronic community health information system. Whereas, the overburdened responsibilities of the health extension worker beyond health extension program activities was an impediment to acceptability and proper use of eCHIS.
Conclusions: The health extension workers level of digital literacy and attitude towards mobile applications was relatively low. Hence, the implementation of community-level electronic health information systems should take into consideration the digital literacy, and the factors that impede acceptability of digital tools. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2022; 36(SI-2)]