Thesis:

Determinants of computer technology utilization in Nursing practice among nurse - midwives in Kwale County, Kenya

Globally all nurses are expected to be abreast with information, communication and technology (ICT) for their empowerment when it comes to making the right interventions in the provision of nursing care to patients or clients (Newbold, et al 2015). The purpose of the study was to investigate the determinants of computer utilization among nurse-midwives in Kwale County. Method: was institution based cross-sectional design which was done in Kwale County and the targeted population were the nurse-midwives in Kwale County with a sample size of 141 Results: revealed that on the social demographic characteristics Ages of respondents significantly influenced utilization of computer technology (χ2 (1, N=141) =7.453, p=0.006). Qualification significantly influenced utilization of computer technology (χ2 (1, N=141) =5.083, p=0.024). Nursing job significantly influence utilization of computer technology (χ2 (1, N=141) =4.499, p=0.034). Number of years worked as a nurse significantly affected utilization of computer technology (χ2 (1, N=141) =9.131, p=0.003). Previous computer training significantly affected utilization of computer technology (χ 2 (1, N=141) =23561, p=<0.001).Concerning nurse- midwife related factors, showed that self-rated computer knowledge significantly affected utilization of computer technology (χ2 (1, N=141) =26.338, p=<0.001). Attitude significantly influenced utilization of computer technology (χ2 (1, N=141) =4.098, p=0.043). Concerning institutional related factors revealed that availability of policies, guidelines, regulations did not influence utilization of computer technology (χ 2 (1, N=141) =0.047, p=0.828), (χ 2 (1, N=141) =0.047, p=0.828), (χ2 (1, N=0.000), p=0.986) respectively. Conclusion majority of the nurse-midwives demonstrated basic knowledge in computer operational skills Gender, marital status, and residence did not have significant association with utilization of computer technology in nursing practice. More than a half of the nurse-midwives had negative attitude towards utilization of computer technology. There are no guidelines, regulations, or policies governing the utilization of computer technology. Recommendation: On the determinants of social-demographic characteristics the researcher recommends the County training committee to encourage and support the nurse-midwives to upgrade to Diploma level and above and also come up with modalities of assisting the nurses to acquire literacy in computer applications and operation skills. On determining nurse-midwives related factors the County health committee in conjunction with Nurse Managers and supervisors should take an initiative of formulating logical strategies of transforming analogical practice of nursing to digital forms of nursing practice by embracing computer technology utilization in the health institutions in the County. The Kwale County health committee should advise the CEC health through MCAs to come up with policies that will govern the utilization of information technology in the county. The same committee should take the initiative to capacity build the nurses and health institutions by equipping them with infrastructural and technical support in form of computers, trainings and free WI FI.