Digital Literacy, Access, Training, and Attitudes Toward Digital Health Technologies among Healthcare Workers in Selected Health Facilities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Iminabo Chuku Dianna
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Zebedee Loveday Udu
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Federal Medical Centre, Yenegoa, Bayelsa Sate, Nigeria.
Ibioku Elekima *
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Rivers State University Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The integration of digital health technologies is transforming healthcare delivery, yet challenges in access, training, and attitudes among healthcare professionals can hinder optimal utilisation.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate access to digital technology, training opportunities, attitudes towards digital health technologies, and workplace challenges among healthcare professionals.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 healthcare workers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism version 9.02, and descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages.
Results: Most respondents had access to digital technology (98.9%) and internet connectivity (90.9%), predominantly via private Wi-Fi and mobile networks (91.7%). However, workplace access was lower (71.7%), and only 37.1% had received formal training in digital technology. The attitudinal assessment revealed that 51.1% demonstrated good attitudes towards digital health technologies, 43.1% had fair attitudes, and 5.1% exhibited poor attitudes. Convenience, ease of use, and reduced human error were among the key positive perceptions, although scepticism persisted regarding whether technology could replace healthcare professionals. Workplace challenges included frequent digital system downtimes, with 58.0% affected sometimes and 21.7% affected very frequently. Nearly half (48.6%) reported no ongoing training or capacity-building programmes, and 23.1% were unsure whether such provisions were available. Insufficient power supply, the absence of a stable institutional network, limited continuous training, inadequate access to browsing data and networks, insufficient availability of institutional computers and devices in the workplace, and limited digital familiarity among healthcare workers were the major barriers identified in the study.
Conclusion: Despite high access to digital technology and generally positive attitudes, training gaps and frequent digital downtimes remain significant barriers. Strengthening continuous training programmes and improving digital infrastructure could enhance the effective use of digital health technologies in healthcare settings.
Keywords: Digital health, healthcare professionals, attitude, training, capacity-building, system downtimes, technology adoption