Grace Ada Ajuwon1, Lenny Rhine. 1. E. Latunde Odeku Medical Library, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are important tools for development. Despite its significant growth on a global scale, Internet access is limited in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Few studies have explored Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in Africa. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in SSA. METHODS: A 26-item self-administered questionnaire in English and French was used for data collection. The questionnaire was completed by health information professionals from five Listservs and delegates at the 10th biannual Congress of the Association of Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA). RESULTS: A total of 121 respondents participated in the study and, of those, 68% lived in their countries' capital. The majority (85.1%) had Internet access at work and 40.8% used cybercafes as alternative access points. Slightly less than two-thirds (61.2%) first learned to use ICT through self-teaching, whilst 70.2% had not received any formal training in the previous year. Eighty-eight per cent of respondents required further ICT training. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: In SSA, freely available digital information resources are underutilized by health information professionals. ICT training is recommended to optimize use of digital resources. To harness these resources, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations must play a key role.
BACKGROUND: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are important tools for development. Despite its significant growth on a global scale, Internet access is limited in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Few studies have explored Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in Africa. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in SSA. METHODS: A 26-item self-administered questionnaire in English and French was used for data collection. The questionnaire was completed by health information professionals from five Listservs and delegates at the 10th biannual Congress of the Association of Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA). RESULTS: A total of 121 respondents participated in the study and, of those, 68% lived in their countries' capital. The majority (85.1%) had Internet access at work and 40.8% used cybercafes as alternative access points. Slightly less than two-thirds (61.2%) first learned to use ICT through self-teaching, whilst 70.2% had not received any formal training in the previous year. Eighty-eight per cent of respondents required further ICT training. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: In SSA, freely available digital information resources are underutilized by health information professionals. ICT training is recommended to optimize use of digital resources. To harness these resources, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations must play a key role.
Authors: Jessie L McGowan; Roland Grad; Pierre Pluye; Karin Hannes; Katherine Deane; Michel Labrecque; Vivian Welch; Peter Tugwell Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2009-07-08
Authors: Seydou O Doumbia; Daouda Ndiaye; Ousmane A Koita; Mahamadou Diakité; Davis Nwakanma; Mamadou Coulibaly; Sekou F Traoré; Joseph Keating; Danny A Milner; Jean-Louis Ndiaye; Papa Diogoye Sene; Ambroise Ahouidi; Tandakha N Dieye; Oumar Gaye; Joseph Okebe; Serign J Ceesay; Alfred Ngwa; Eniyou C Oriero; Lassana Konaté; Ngayo Sy; Musa Jawara; Ousmane Faye; Moussa Kéita; Moussa Cissé; Nafomon Sogoba; Belco Poudiougou; Sory Diawara; Lansana Sangaré; Tinzana Coulibaly; Ibrahima Seck; Ismaela Abubakar; Jules Gomis; Frances J Mather; Aliou Sissako; Ayouba Diarra; Balla Kandeh; Christopher Whalen; Brian Moyer; Obinna Nnedu; Oumar Thiero; Amy K Bei; Rachel Daniels; Kazutoyo Miura; Carole A Long; Rick M Fairhurst; Manoj Duraisingh; Marc A T Muskavitch; Umberto D'Alessandro; David J Conway; Sarah K Volkman; Clarissa Valim; Dyann F Wirth; Donald J Krogstad Journal: Acta Trop Date: 2011-11-28 Impact factor: 3.112