Knowledge, skills, access and usage status of computers, internet and databases in nursing students and some of the related factors

Abstract Background and aim. Today, medical and nursing education is moving from traditional into student-centered educational system. In this context, teaching and learning via computers and internet has been increasing in popularity. This study was aimed to determine the knowledge, skills, access and usage of computers, internet and databases in nursing students and some of the related factors. Materials and Methods : This is a descriptive and correlation study. 145 undergraduate students were randomly selected from the nursing midwifery school. Data were collected by “status of computer and internet usage” questionnaire. Content validity and test-retest method were used for its validity and reliability respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 and analytical - descriptive statistics. Results: Nursing students expressed their knowledge and skills of computers and internet usage in the good level. Also, their access to computers and internet were “high” (44. 8%) and “moderate” (47. 6 %) respectively. The most important factors of facilitating and inhibiting usage of computers and internet were “Easy using of computer” and “Slow speed of internet” respectively. The knowledge and skills of computers and internet usage was correlated with their usage. Conclusions: The results of this study highlights needs of computers and internet learning for nurses. This should be consider by health planners and policy makers. Keywords: Computers, Internet, Databases, Nursing Students REFERENCES Abtahi S Feali M (2008)[ Evaluation of skill and use of Information Technology and Internet among professors, postgraduate and undergraduate students in Mashhad Dental School in Iran in 2007-2008]. Journal of Mashhad Dental School . 32(4) 257-262. (Persian) Applebee A Clayton P Pascoe C Bruce H (2000) Australian academic use of the Internet: implications for university administrators. 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