Digital technology utilization and its associated factors among health science students at Mettu University, Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundThe demand of technology in higher education institution is increasing. Digital technology is critical for students’ academic performance improvement. However, digital technology adoption rate and utilization in resource-limited settings is low. Therefore, this study aimed to determine digital technology utilization and identify its associated factors among health science students at Mettu University. MethodsA cross-sectional study design, and a pretested self-administrated questionnaire was used. Epi Data version 24, and STAT version 25 software was used for data entry, and analysis respectively. A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis model was used to measure the association of independent variables with the dependent variables. Variance inflation and Pearson's chi-square test were used to assess the independent relationship between variables. A p-value of less than 0.2 and 0.05 were considered significant in stepwise forward bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions with a 95% confidence level, respectively. ResultsA total of 68% of students had good digital technology utilization. Secondary or higher education status of parents (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.25, 6.10), adequate internet access (AOR: 3.75; 95% CI: 1.66, 6.93), good knowledge (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI: 2.20, 8.93), favorable attitudes (AOR = 5.28; 95% CI: 3.03, 12.51), and previous computer experience (AOR = 4.15; 95% CI: 3.47, 10.88) were statistically significant factors for students’ digital technology utilization. ConclusionsStudents had good digital technology utilization. Regardless, ensuring adequate internet accessibility, enhancing students’ attitude towards digital technology and their digital technology competency are recommended interventions for better digital technology utilization and adoption.