Includes references (141-173 p.)

'ABSTRACT Electronic health (e-health) system applications are vital tools of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that enhances the delivery of quality healthcare. The technology is increasingly being used to provide quality healthcare services in hospitals, especially in developed nations. However, despite its significant advantages, studies indicated that developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa still faces some challenges in adopting and utilizing the technology. The literature shows that the adoption rate is either low or not fully utilized, due to factors such as lack of technical infrastructures, poor organizational policies, and unwillingness of the healthcare professionals to accept and utilize the technology. The objectives of the research is, first, to measure the readiness of hospitals in North-West region of Nigeria in adopting the e-health technology, then validate the findings with the participants, and finally to identify the barriers that affects the healthcare professionals’ decisions to accept and utilize the e-health technology. The study adopted a mixed methods approach to collect quantitative data using close-ended questionnaire, and semi-structured interview for qualitative data. The data was collected from fifteen hospitals in Katsina state, with a total of 265 participants for the first survey, and 465 participants for the second survey, respectively. The study developed two frameworks for investigation, which include e-health readiness assessment, and the modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The collected data were analyzed through various statistical analysis using SPSS software (v. 20.0). The findings obtained from the study identifies the key factors to e-health technology adoption in developing countries. These factors are classified into six (6) major themes, they include: (1) Technology infrastructure barriers, related to affordability and availability of software, hardware, and networking system; (2) Information technology knowledge barriers, related to literacy, and experience in handling the ICT applications and tools; (3) Financial barriers, related to finances and budgeting; (4) Human capital barriers, related to willingness, attitude, and belief to use the system; (5) Administrative barriers, related to management and organizational policies; and finally (6) Security barriers, related to trust and privacy in using the technology. The study added value to the body of knowledge by pin-pointing relevant facts its outcomes could significantly impact or be found relevant, by policy makers and healthcare administrators in Nigeria and other related low and middle income countries. This is in making them to identify their areas of priorities and challenges when preparing for adopting, implementing, as well as proper utilization of the e-health technology. Key words: Acceptance, challenges, e-health, healthcare professionals, implementation, low and middle income countries, Nigeria, readiness, TAM.'