Evaluation of computer knowledge and information literacy among dental students of Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University in 2016

Use of computer and internet in our modern and digitalized society is an efficient tool to be up to date and fulfil the information gaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of computer and internet usage among dental students of Islamic Azad University, Tehran, in 2016. This descriptive study for evaluating access and usage of computer and internet by dental students was done using a researcher-made questionnaire on 401 dental students. Validity and reliability (Kappa: 0.82) of the questionnaire was confirmed. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS22 using descriptive and Logistic regression analyses. More than 95% of the students had access to the computer and Internet. 45.6% of students reported their skills were in the basic level. The major use of computer among the students was internet but only 13.2% of students used Microsoft Office program. The students used the internet for dental subjects even monthly (34.9%) or weekly (29.4%). Only 9.7% of the students had participated in educational workshop for learning methods of research. The most limitation was internet velocity. Positive correlation was found among prospering ownership status (P<0.001), economic status (P=0.05), level of education semester (P=0.038) and the computer & internet usage (what’s more in terms of access and also in terms of improve information and knowledge). Based on the results, a higher economic level, higher level of education, and property ownership made better access to the computer and Internet. However, computer skills should be more concerned in educational program.