Perceptions and Willingness to Use Digital Health Tools among Midwives Working in Hospitals in Onitsha North L.G.A., Anambra State, Nigeria
Uga, Adaora Lawrencia *
Nursing/Public Health/Toxicology Division, Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Gabriel Sunday Aladipo
Nursing/Public Health/Toxicology Division, Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Oluwayemisi Olagunju
Nursing/Public Health/Toxicology Division, Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Digital health tools are increasingly being introduced into maternal healthcare, but their effective use depends on healthcare workers’ perceptions, readiness and institutional support.
Objective: This study assessed midwives’ perceptions of, and willingness to use, digital health tools in selected hospitals in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 206 midwives using a structured questionnaire. The instrument assessed socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions of digital health tools and willingness to adopt such tools. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the responses, while Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between perception and willingness.
Results: The findings showed that midwives had positive perceptions of digital health tools, with a grand mean of 4.05. They also demonstrated very high willingness to use digital health tools, with a grand mean of 4.37. Most respondents agreed that digital health tools improve the quality of care, enhance communication, support reliable documentation and are essential to modern midwifery practice. Pearson correlation showed a significant positive relationship between perception and willingness to use digital health tools (r = 0.647, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Midwives in the study area showed positive perceptions and high willingness to adopt digital health tools, although sustained implementation requires training, institutional support and appropriate technological resources.
Keywords: Digital health tools, midwives, perceptions, willingness to adopt, maternal healthcare, Nigeria