Utilization of Computer Use in Raising Health Awareness of the Community by Community Health Nursing Students at University of Babylon in Iraq

Abstract

An applied study was carried out aimed at identifying and determining utilization of computer use in raising health awareness of the community by community health nursing students at the University of Babylon in IRAQ. Two samples were used to conduct this study. The first one was 172 community health nursing students in the fourth year through the academic year 2014/2015in the college of nursing / university of Babylon. The second one consisted of 172 families selected randomly from four different areas in Babylon city which covered HayAlzahraa', Hay Aljameaa, Hay al Nasseej and Hay Al Aameer. The instrument of the study adopted quantitative, qualitative and interview methods. Data were collected using a questionnaire constructed by the researchers which included two parts, the first part for nursing students and the second part was for the families. Both parts consisted of 16 questions which consist of statements and answers. Families were interviewed during home visits conducted by the community nursing students in the period 18-30 /March / 2014. Data analysis was done through the application of simple descriptive statistical methods such as frequencies and percentages to assess the results of the study. The study revealed that the prevalence of using computer by community health nursing students was very high (94.2%). Most of the students (88.4%) agree on assistance of computer in improving their academic performance and the majority of them (67.4%) stated that using computer helped them in achieving their goals and objectives regarding raising health awareness of the community specifically through school health activities, primary health centers' activities and through home visits. Only (24.4%) of families reported that they had computer, and the majority of students (67.7%) stated that they didn't raise families' health knowledge through using their computers. The study suggested the need to establish curriculum that integrates computer technology with the electronic learning program in the family and community health nursing course to enhance students' efforts and strategies to raise families' health awareness by using their computer. Also to strengthen the computer programs in the nursing college by developing special academic computer programs especially in clinical courses and clinical areas, where only few programs exist.