Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions as Correlates of Postgraduate Nursing Students’ Intention to Use Reference Management System in Afe Babalola University, Ado- Ekiti

Abstract

This study examined social influence and facilitating conditions as correlates of postgraduate nursing students’ intention to use reference management systems (RMS) at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. Using a census sampling technique, data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire administered to all 48 postgraduate nursing students. The instrument comprised two sections: demographic information and items addressing the research questions. Face validity was ensured through expert review. Findings revealed that facilitating conditions do not directly influence continued intention but exert an indirect effect by mediating user satisfaction. Results showed that social influence significantly affects students’ behavioral intentions to use RMS. Respondents agreed that peers and colleagues encourage RMS use (x? = 3.67), friends deem it important (x? = 3.73), researchers’ opinions matter (x? = 4.21), and classmates’ usage also influences adoption (x? = 3.29), with a weighted mean of 3.73. Furthermore, facilitating conditions were favorable, as students reported having adequate resources (x? = 3.79), sufficient knowledge (x? = 3.60), available assistance (x? = 3.81), and compatibility of RMS with their study needs (x? = 4.21). Correlation analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between intention to use RMS and social influence (r = .421, p < .05). Similarly, facilitating conditions showed a significant association with RMS usage intention. The study concludes that social influence and facilitating conditions are key correlates of postgraduate nursing students’ intention to adopt reference management systems.