Abstract

This study analyzed the potential impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the delivery of reproductive health care services. Twelve health establishments located in the districts under the coverage of the micro-Telco were selected. Of the twelve establishments, only ten were found open at the time of the visit. A total of 15 surveys were personally administered by the author. A questionnaire was designed to identify the reproductive health information needs of health center workers and how ICT could help to satisfy those needs. The analysis of questionnaire data was conducted using the MINITAB v14.2 statistical software application. The results showed that although health center workers believe that the use of ICTs would allow them to have better access to health information and therefore, improve the quality of the health care provided, they fail to see how ICTs could satisfy most urgent needs such as lack of qualified personnel and medical equipment. This study was undertaken to assess the current health information needs of health facilities in the area of reproductive health care; however, similar analyses can be conducted to assess more general health care needs.

Key words: Information and communication technologies (ICTs), reproductive health care, Shirvan.