Evaluating the Effectiveness of Digital Data Collection Tools in Health Education Research: A Study of Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of digital data collection tools in health education research, using Owerri Municipal Council in Imo State, Nigeria, as the study area. Guided by three research questions and corresponding hypotheses, the study focused on three key population groups: senior secondary school students (SS II & SS III), teachers/health educators, and adult community members who had participated in health education outreach programs. The target population was estimated at approximately 5,000 individuals, and a sample of 400 respondents was selected using Freund and Williams' formula and proportionally distributed among the three groups. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were gathered through structured digital questionnaires administered via platforms such as Google Forms and KoboToolbox, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Instrument reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.89, indicating high internal consistency. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, linear regression, and chi-square statistical techniques. Findings from the study revealed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between the use of digital tools and improvements in data accuracy and completeness (r = 0.802, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that digital tool usage significantly predicted participant engagement and response rate, accounting for 76.9% of the variance (R² = 0.769, β = 0.846, p < 0.05). Chi-square results also indicated significant differences in the types of challenges experienced by different respondent categories (χ² = 31.128, df = 8, p = 0.000), with community members facing more barriers related to digital access and literacy. The study concludes that digital data collection tools significantly enhance data quality, increase participant engagement, and improve response rates in health education research. It recommends among others the adoption of digital tools as standard practice, particularly in urban environments with widespread access to mobile technology and the internet. Strategic efforts should also be made to address digital literacy gaps and promote inclusive participation across diverse population segments.