Current Trend in Internet Access and Utilization Using Mobile Devices Among Pharmacy Lecturers in South-South Universities in Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the current trend in accessing the Internet using mobile devices and the utilization pattern among pharmacy lecturers in South-South universities in Nigeria. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Simple random sampling was adopted to select a sample of 161 lecturers from a total population of 201 and the questionnaire was administered to them. A response rate of 103 (63.3%) was achieved and analyzed using percentage and Chi square (X²) statistics. Findings revealed that 3G modem and laptop were mobile devices mostly used by pharmacy lecturers to access Internet. 3G modem usage didn’t significantly influenced Internet utilization but awareness. The lecturers accessed the Internet mostly at home on a daily basis and there is no significant difference in mobile devices owned by the lecturers. Most lecturers used the Internet to access electronic journals and databases for research related activities using Google. The current trend in accessing Internet among pharmacy lecturers in South-South universities in Nigeria is through the use of 3G modem together with laptop.

Keywords: Pharmacy lecturers, Internet access, 3G modem, Mobile devices, Internet utilization, Nigeria.