Study of Computer and Technology Literacy of Students at Abadan University of Medical Sciences in the Year 2024

Abstract

Background: Given that we are in the age of technology and witnessing the development of evidence-based medical systems and medicine, in order to implement them in clinical environments, we must first be aware of the level of students' ability to use computers, the Internet, and databases to take the next steps. Objectives: Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the computer literacy and technology of students at the University of Medical Sciences in the year 2024. Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the academic year 2024. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability have been confirmed. Test-retest reliability (with a 10-day interval) was performed to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Thus, 30 students from different fields were asked to answer the questionnaire again after ten days, and finally, the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using a correlation coefficient of 86%. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics methods in SPSS 26 software. Results: The level of students' familiarity with computers, the Internet, and modern technologies was 45%. In comparing students' basic knowledge about computers, the highest level of familiarity (63%) was related to the ability to use computers and manage files, and the lowest level (46%) was related to the ability to manage the Windows operating system. The level of students' familiarity with the Internet and the web was 53%. Also, the level of students' familiarity with modern technology tools was 19%. Male students had more computer and technology literacy than female students. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, it is suggested that planners take the necessary measures to increase computer literacy, especially new technology tools, by organizing and teaching new age technology tools at the university. This way, an important step can be taken to improve the level of computer literacy and technology of students.