Knowledge of Digital Technology, Its Access and Use to Enhance Dissemination of Health Information Among Residents of Ogui New Layout Enugu, Nigeria

Background: There seems to be a rapidly growing trend of consumers’ utilization of information technology (IT) systems in Nigeria. Ease of internet access via smartphones has made information on various subjects including health readily available to many Nigerians. About 50.2% of Nigerians use the internet. It has become a popular health intervention tool because of its easy access on a variety of devices (laptops, mobile phones, tablets) and is now a common resource to disseminate and find health information. Therefore, the need to obtain such data using this community-based survey to assess the feasibility of exploiting the full potential of ICT to disseminate health information and improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria, given the seemingly rising consumer uptake of internet and mobile electronic technology is important. Methodology: This community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among residents of Ogui New Layout, Enugu, Enugu state, Nigeria to assess knowledge of digital technology, its access and use among its residents to enhance dissemination of health information. All those living in the area at the time of study were included, excluding those less than 15yrs giving a total of 487 participants using multistage sampling method. Data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from similar work done among New York state residents. Results: Health information seeking via digital technology was found to be highest among people aged 15-24 years and people who attained tertiary level of education. Conclusion: Given high access to ICT and utilization of its features as established in this work among our respondents for both health and non-health related activities, digital channels can be an effective means of facilitating healthcare and health promotion interventions among the people.