The Knowledge, Perception and Utilisation of E-Health among Health Workers in Benin City, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the perspective and utilization of e-Health services among healthcare workers in primary, secondary and tertiary health care centers in Benin city.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among healthcare workers in Benin-City where the minimum sample size required for the study was calculated using the Cochrane formula (n= zpq2 /d2). Data was collected using an online semi structured questionnaire and data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 22 software with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 340 respondents participated in this study where the mean age was 31.5 ± 7.1 years and majority of the respondents 327 (96.2%) had good knowledge of eHealth where about two third 216 (63.5%) of the respondents had ever used eHealth services. Majority 308 (90.6%) of the healthcare workers highlighted non-availability of ICT facilities as a challenge to the implementation and utilization of eHealth services. Proposed solutions to the above challenges include government support/funding 206 (60.6%) and ICT education 186 (54.7%)

Conclusion: The lack of ICT facilities was stated as the main challenge to the implementation and utilization of eHealth services although majority of the respondents had good knowledge of eHealth. Proposed solutions to the challenge include government support/funding, free ICT education of health workers and Public Private Partnerships to support eHealth systems in health facilities.