09/18/15
by Randy Gonzales
HAYS, Kan. -- Dr. Connie Eigenmann, associate professor of communication studies at Fort Hays State University, and Dr. Trisha Capansky, assistant professor of technical communications at University of Tennessee-Martin, collaborated on a book chapter which will be published in "Electronic Communication in Developing Countries: Explanatory Theory" in spring 2016.

The chapter "Ugandan Cellular and Internet Usage: Changing Health Care and Education Needs" looks at the changes occurring in Uganda's population as the country continues to increase usage of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The Ugandan study is built on previous works exploring shifts in socio-economic and cultural practices brought about by technology.

Much of Uganda's push toward connectedness is a result of the Uganda Communications Act of 1997, drafted not long before the Ebola virus spread through the country, causing the largest Ebola outbreak in history. Early findings presented in this study indicate mobile phone and Internet access in Uganda were not only instrumental in minimizing the death toll of the recent Ebola outbreak, but ICTs are also tools for educating Ugandans about other health-related practices and quality-of-life issues.

Eigenmann was the editor of volume 2 of the book. Also involved were 17 Fort Hays State graduate student chapter authors, two undergraduate student chapter authors and two undergraduates who received research experience.

This second volume in a series called "Global Studies" covers developing countries as they use electronic means of communication. It reports FHSU student research in the Department of Communication Studies.