Assessment of Awareness and Availability of E-Health Technologies in Selected Health Facilities in Imo State

• Author(s): Egbuna Hyacinth Chukwuebuka ; Oparaocha Evangeline Tochi ; Iwuala Chimezie Christian ; Dozie Winnie Ugonma ; Ibe Nkechinyere Onyeka Sally; Nwoke Eunice Anyalewechi
• Paper ID: 1708630
• Page: 1187-1198
• Published Date: 20-05-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 11 May-2025

Abstract

E-health technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, but their adoption and effectiveness in resource-limited settings like Nigeria remain understudied. This cross-sectional study assessed the awareness and availability of e-health technologies among 579 healthcare workers in selected health facilities in Imo State, Nigeria. While 70% of respondents were aware of e-health, only 46% understood the concept, and 24% admitted to knowing little about it. Awareness was significantly associated with facility level, years of experience, and educational attainment (p<0.05). Electronic health records (31.1%) and health information systems (26.3%) were the most common e-health technologies available, but overall availability was limited. Inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent internet connectivity, and insufficient maintenance posed significant barriers to e-health adoption. Although 57.3% of electronic devices were functional, 22.3% were slightly damaged, and 20.4% were completely damaged. Service disruptions due to poor network connectivity were frequent, ranging from rarely (28.8%) to many times a day (18.0%). E-health availability was not uniform across departments, with some units like consulting clinics (25.5%) and HIV/AIDS treatment clinics (33.9%) having more access. The study highlights the need for targeted training, improved infrastructure, and consistent technical support to realize the full potential of e-health in enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in Nigeria.

Keywords

E-health technologies, Healthcare workers, Resource-limited settings, Electronic health records, Health information systems

Citations

IRE Journals:
Egbuna Hyacinth Chukwuebuka , Oparaocha Evangeline Tochi , Iwuala Chimezie Christian , Dozie Winnie Ugonma , Ibe Nkechinyere Onyeka Sally; Nwoke Eunice Anyalewechi "Assessment of Awareness and Availability of E-Health Technologies in Selected Health Facilities in Imo State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 11 2025 Page 1187-1198

IEEE:
Egbuna Hyacinth Chukwuebuka , Oparaocha Evangeline Tochi , Iwuala Chimezie Christian , Dozie Winnie Ugonma , Ibe Nkechinyere Onyeka Sally; Nwoke Eunice Anyalewechi "Assessment of Awareness and Availability of E-Health Technologies in Selected Health Facilities in Imo State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(11)