KNOWLEDGE, ADOPTION, AND UTILIZATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR HEALTHCARE DELIVERY AMONGST HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

A STUDY OF NURSES IN FMC, ASABA

Abstract

This study titled Knowledge, Adoption and Utilization of Social Media for Healthcare Delivery Amongst Health Practitioners: A Study of Nurses in FMC, Asaba, explores the extent to which nurses understand, adopt, and utilize social media for healthcare purposes. The study anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which aimed was to assess the knowledge level of nurses regarding social media use in healthcare, evaluate the extent of its actual utilization, among others. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample of 67 nurses selected through stratified random sampling from the total population of 670 nurses at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba. Data were gathered using a validated structured questionnaire (KAUSMHDQ). The reliability of the instrument was conducted which yielded a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.78, indicating good internal consistency and reliability. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that 88.8% of the nurses demonstrated a high level of knowledge about social media's potential in healthcare communication. However, actual utilization was relatively low, with a mean score of 2.33. This suggest underuse of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and minimal tele- nursing practices. Furthermore, 76.8% of the respondents indicated that factors such as lack of training, fear of privacy violations, and weak institutional support hinder adoption. The study concluded that while nurses are knowledgeable, systemic and personal barriers limit effective utilization. It was recommended among others that structured digital literacy training, institutional policy support, and proactive management engagement be implemented to promote responsible social media use in nursing practice.