title: Study of basic computer competence among public health nurses in Taiwan.
abstract: Rapid advances in information technology and media have made distance learning on the Internet possible. This new model of learning allows greater efficiency and flexibility in knowledge acquisition. Since basic computer competence is a prerequisite for this new learning model, this study was conducted to examine the basic computer competence of public health nurses in Taiwan and explore factors influencing computer competence. A national cross-sectional randomized study was conducted with 329 public health nurses. A questionnaire was used to collect data and was delivered by mail. Results indicate that basic computer competence of public health nurses in Taiwan is still needs to be improved (mean = 57.57 +- 2.83, total score range from 26-130). Among the five most frequently used software programs, nurses were most knowledgeable about Word and least knowledgeable about PowerPoint. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed eight variables (weekly number of hours spent online at home, weekly amount of time spent online at work, weekly frequency of computer use at work, previous computer training, computer at workplace and Internet access, job position, education level, and age) that significantly influenced computer competence, which accounted for 39.0 % of the variance. In conclusion, greater computer competence, broader educational programs regarding computer technology, and a greater emphasis on computers at work are necessary to increase the usefulness of distance learning via the Internet in Taiwan. Building a user-friendly environment is important in developing this new media model of learning for the future.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University.
authors.forename: Kuei-Feng
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Shu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Ming-Sheng
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Chia-Ling
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Hsu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training / Q000592:standards*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D020375:Education, Distance; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000193:education*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan; D013997:Time Factors