Acceptance of information technology by health research projects in low-income countries : intention to use and acceptance of using EpiHandy (IUAUE)

Masteroppgave i informasjons- og kommunikasjonsteknologi 2005 - Høgskolen i Agder, GrimstadIntroduction: To better understand the data collector’s intention to use and acceptance of using, Centre for International Health (CIH) University of Bergen (UIB) wanted feedback on introduction of EpiHandy, by using the PROMISE EBF Mbale site in Uganda as a pilot for collecting health data in low income countries using PDA. The aim was to uncover some of the factors influencing or affecting the intention to use and acceptance of the technology by the users of this system. Method: The framework of this study was a mix of quantitative and qualitative method. Background characteristics of the data collectors, observations using film camera, depth interviews and the use of structured questionnaires to find out intention and acceptance was used. Constructors like Performance Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, gender, age, experience, mandated, and access to technology in childhood, and number of errors in the technology was used finding level of intention and acceptance. Using Davis et al. [1998] Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) founded on the Theory of Reasoned Action and Venkatesh et al. [2003] Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as baseline it was possible to observe and collect data during the field work in Uganda and South Africa. Results: There was almost no difference in intention to use between Uganda and South Africa, but there was indication that the data collectors feeling of being important was different. EpiHandy was well accepted by the data collectors due to many errors (50% failure) present in the technology, and lack of plans introducing the technology. The results indicated that Facilitating Conditions was the strongest constructors when it came to intention and acceptance. Conclusion: In this study a totally new way of collecting data in a low-income country in Africa was observed. The conclusion was that the technology was well accepted and the intention to use and acceptance of using was high even when the number of errors in the technology was high. This indicates also that the EpiHandy technology will b highly accepted in South Africa and probably at the other sites in the PROMISE EBF study as well. Acceptance of Information Technology by Health Related Projects in Low-income Countries was high despite lack of introduction plan, and many errors in the technology