Abstract:
BACKGROUND: In recent years, Africa has experienced a boom in information and communication
technologies (ICTs). These ICTs have been hailed by the health sector as impetus for heath
service delivery in rural areas. In this regard, stakeholders in the health sector have made
attempts to reinforce frontline health workers with technological tools. Although there is much
evidence that ICTs play a key role in the health sector, it remains unknown how the health
sector in Malawi is exploiting ICTs in its delivery of day-to-day operations.
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigate the role that ICTs play in rural health. This study will
specifically determine the purposes that health surveillance assistants (HSAs) use ICTs for,
assess the ICT skills and expertise of HSAs, analyse benefits of ICTs and study the problems
faced by HSAs in the effective use of ICTs.
METHOD: In this study, a quantitative research method approach was adopted to address the
research objectives. Both research sites and respondents were selected using a convenient
sampling method. We self-administered and collected the questionnaire from the respondents.
The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data.
RESULTS: We find that HSAs have made headways in the adoption of various forms of ICTs
such as mobile phones alongside their applications (Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp).
However, efforts to maximise the appropriation of ICTs by HSAs are punctuated by various
hindrances including high cost of ICT gadgets, high cost of Internet bundles, inadequate
training in ICTs and lack of support from senior management in the Ministry of Health.
CONCLUSION: Use of ICTs in community health is slowly but surely possible. In a nutshell, the
study has shown that, regardless of perceivable hindrances associated with use of ICTs, HSAs
use some ICTs in their work and personal activities. It is evident that using mobile phones to
improve performance is an important area and that there is little interest in evaluating such
interventions.
