Abstract:
This study examines the factors influencing the intention to use Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) among Public Health Midwives (PHMs) in the
North Central Province of Sri Lanka. PHMs play a crucial role in delivering maternal
and child healthcare services, and the integration of ICT has become essential for
improving efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility in rural healthcare delivery.
However, limited infrastructure, training, and resource constraints continue to
challenge the adoption of ICT in this sector. The research was guided by the
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and
Use of Technology (UTAUT). It explored the impact of perceived usefulness,
perceived ease of use, attitude toward ICT, social influence, and ICT competency on
the intention to use ICT. A quantitative approach was used, with data collected
through a structured questionnaire administered to 186 PHMs from the North Central
Province. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and
regression analysis. Findings revealed that all five factors positively influenced the
intention to use ICT, with perceived usefulness and attitude toward ICT emerging as
the most influential variables. The results highlight the importance of developing ICT
competencies, raising awareness of ICT benefits, and providing supportive
infrastructure and institutional encouragement to strengthen adoption among PHMs.
The study concludes that continuous training programmes, user friendly system
design, and the inclusion of PHMs in ICT development strategies are essential for
successful implementation. By extending established technology acceptance models
to the community healthcare context, this research contributes valuable insights for
policymakers and healthcare administrators seeking to digitalise primary health
services and promote sustainable ICT integration in Sri Lanka’s public health system.
