Information seeking behavior on hepatitis B virus, and its associated factors among pregnant women at teaching and specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major public health issue worldwide. Health information-seeking behavior is critical to obtain information about health, diseases such as the Hepatitis B virus, health risks, and health promotion and it has become a major concern of health policymakers. However, there is little evidence of information-seeking behavior on the Hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia. So, this study aimed to assess Hepatitis B virus information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among pregnant women at teaching and Specialized Hospitals, in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women at teaching and specialized hospitals, in Northwest Ethiopia from May 01 to June 01, 2022. A total of 423 participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. The data was collected through an interview-administered questionnaire by kobo-collect software. Then export into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with Hepatitis B virus information-seeking behavior. RESULTS: The proportion of information-seeking behavior on the Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women was 40.5% (CI = 35.7, 45.6). Education(diploma and above) [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI (1.31, 8.16)], more than one ANC visit [AOR = 5.99, 95% CI (3.20, 12.31)], smart-phone ownership [AOR = 4.1, 95%CI (1.35, 12.31)], internet access [AOR = 5.1, 95%CI (1.35, 15.60)], perceived susceptibility [AOR = 2.7, 95%CI (1.38, 5.31)], perceived severity [AOR = 3.7, 95%CI (2.06, 6.55)], and self-efficacy [AOR = 1.9, 95%CI (1.03, 3.73)] were factors influencing information seeking on Hepatitis B virus. CONCLUSION: The overall proportion of information-seeking behavior on HBV among pregnant women was low. To improve information-seeking behavior on HBV among pregnant women we should connect the women to the internet and technology. Creating women's awareness about the Hepatitis B virus severity and their venerability and increasing their antenatal care (ANC) visits, self-efficacy, internet access, and women's education can improve information seeking about the Hepatitis B virus.

Urban-rural inequalities and spatial arrangement of informed choice of family planning in Ethiopia: Further analysis of 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia has made satisfactory progress in improving maternal and child health over the past two decades. The introduction of family planning through informed choice is one of the main strategies to improve maternal and child health. However, this positive progress may have masked the significant urban-rural disparities in informed choice for family planning. OBJECTIVE: To identify factor contributing to observed urban-rural disparities and to determine the spatial distribution of informed family planning choices in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study used information from 3,511 women currently using contraceptives (rural-2685 and urban-826) as per recent Ethiopian demographic health survey cross-sectional data. Spatial and descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable logit-based decomposition analysis methods were used. RESULTS: The spatial configuration of uninformed choice was clustered. The primary cluster (LLR = 34.8, p-value<0.001) was located at the southern portion of Amhara region that covers east & west Gojjam, south Gondar and south Wollo administrative zones. The magnitude of informed choice was 12 percent higher in urban residents compared to rural residents. Urban-rural gap was attributed to variations in characteristics (74%). Place of family planning offer i.e., private health facility, being aged between 35 and 49 years, and having visited to health facility in the last 1 year are found decrease the urban-rural gap of informed family planning choice by 15%, 9% and 5% respectively. Conversely, being aged between 25 and 34 years, being a listener to radio has increased the gap by 9% and 12% respectively. CONCLUSION: The variables being private health facility visitors, being aged between 35 and 49 years and having visited health facilities in the last one year are found to increase the gap of informed family planning choices between urban and rural residents Besides, the spatial distribution of uninformed family planning choices is non-random.

Digital literacy level and associated factors among health professionals in a referral and teaching hospital: An implication for future digital health systems implementation.

Background: In Ethiopia and other developing countries, electronic medical record systems and other health information technology are being introduced. However, a small proportion of low-income countries have successfully implemented national health information systems. One cause for this can be the lack of digital literacy among medical practitioners. As a result, this study aimed to assess health professionals' digital literacy level and associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was employed among 423 health professionals working in a teaching and referral hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. We modified and applied the European commission's framework for digital competency to assess the level of digital literacy among health professionals. We used stratified random sampling with proportional allocation to the size of the departments in the hospital to select study participants. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered, and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis techniques were used to describe respondents' digital literacy level and identify its associated factor, respectively. The odds ratio with 95% CI and value of p were used to assess the strength of the association and statistical significance, respectively. Results: Out of 411 participants, 51.8% (95% CI, 46.9-56.6%) of health professionals had adequate digital literacy. Holding a master's degree (Adjusted OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.18-3.85), access to digital technology (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.12-3.17), having training in digital technology (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05-2.59), and having a positive attitude towards digital health technology (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.02-2.68) were found to be significant factors associated with health professionals digital literacy level of health professionals. Conclusion: Low level of digital literacy among health professionals was observed, with nearly half (48.2%) of them having poor digital literacy levels. Access to digital technology, training on digital technology, and attitude toward digital health technology were significant factors associated with digital literacy. It is suggested to increase computer accessibility, provide a training program on digital health technology, and promote a positive attitude toward this technology to improve the deployment of health information systems.

Spatial and multilevel analysis of sanitation service access and related factors among households in Ethiopia: Using 2019 Ethiopian national dataset.

BACKGROUND: Billions of people have faced the problem of accessing appropriate sanitation services. This study aimed to explore the spatial distribution of households' access to sanitation services and identify associated factors in Ethiopia. METHODS: The 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey data was used with a total of 6261 weighted samples. A cross-sectional study design with a two-stage cluster sampling technique was used. Global Moran's I statistic measure, Getis-Ord Gi*, and the ordinary Kriging Gaussian interpolation were used for spatial autocorrelation, hot spot analysis, and interpolation of unsampled areas, respectively. A purely spatial Bernoulli-based model was employed to determine the geographical locations of the most likely clusters. A multilevel logistic regression model was used, and predictors with a P value of less than 0.05 with a 95% CI were considered significant factors. RESULTS: Overall, 19.7% of households had access to improved sanitation services in Ethiopia. Poor sanitation service access was significantly clustered, with hotspots of poor access identified in the South Nations Nationality and People's Region (SNNPR), Oromia, Amhara, and Benishangul Gumuz regions. A total of 275 significant clusters were identified. Households in the circled area were more vulnerable to poor sanitation service access. Rural households, on-premises water access, media exposure, and rich wealth status were statistically significant factors for access to sanitation services. CONCLUSIONS: Access to sanitation services among households in Ethiopia is insufficient. The majority of the households had no access to sanitation services. Stakeholders are recommended to raise household members' awareness of sanitation services, give priority to the hotspot areas, and encourage poor households to have access to toilet facilities. Household members recommended using the available sanitation service and keeping the sanitation service clean. Households are recommended to construct clean shared sanitation facilities.

Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitude and its associated factors toward electronic personal health record system in a resource-limited setting: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Electronic personal health record (e-PHR) system enables individuals to access their health information and manage it themselves. It helps patient engagement management of health information that is accessed and shared with their healthcare providers using the platform. This improves individual healthcare through the exchange of health information between patients and healthcare providers. However, less is known about e-PHRs among healthcare professionals. Objective: Therefore, this study aimed to assess Health professionals' Knowledge and attitude and its associated factors toward e-PHR at the teaching hospital in northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to determine healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitude and their associated factors toward e-PHR systems in teaching hospitals of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, from 20 July to 20 August 2022. Pretested structured self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistic was computed based on sociodemographic and other variables presented in the form of table graphs and texts. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% CI to identify predictor variables. Result: Of the total study participants, 57% were males and nearly half of the respondents had a bachelor's degree. Out of 402 participants, ~65.7% [61-70%] and 55.5% [50-60%] had good knowledge and favorable attitude toward e-PHR systems, respectively. Having a social media account 4.3 [AOR = 4.3, 95% CI (2.3-7.9)], having a smartphone 4.4 [AOR = 4.4, 95% CI (2.2-8.6)], digital literacy 8.8 [(AOR = 8.8, 95% CI (4.6-15.9)], being male 2.7 [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI (1.4-5.0)], and perceived usefulness 4.5 [(AOR = 4.5, 95% CI (2.5-8.5)] were positively associated with knowledge toward e-PHR systems. Similarly, having a personal computer 1.9 [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI (1.1-3.5)], computer training 3.9 [AOR = 3.9, 95% CI (1.8-8.3)], computer skill 19.8 [AOR = 19.8, 95% CI (10.7-36.9)], and Internet access 6.0 [AOR = 6.0, 95% CI (3.0-12.0)] were predictors for attitude toward e-PHR systems. Conclusion: The findings from the study showed that healthcare professionals have good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward e-PHRs. Providing comprehensive basic computer training to improve healthcare professionals' expectation on the usefulness of e-PHR systems has a paramount contribution to the advancement of their knowledge and attitude toward successfully implementing e-PHRs.

Organizational and health professional readiness for the implementation of electronic medical record system: an implication for the current EMR implementation in northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: The WHO developed a manual outlining the preliminary organizational and health professionals' readiness to implement electronic medical records (EMR). On the other hand, the readiness assessment in Ethiopia only includes the evaluation of health professionals, leaving out organisational readiness components. As a result, this research aimed to determine health professionals' and organizational readiness to implement EMR at a specialized teaching hospital. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 423 health professionals and 54 managers. Self-administered and pretested questionnaires were used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with health professionals' readiness for EMR implementation. An OR with a 95% CI and p<0.05 was used to determine the strength of the association and the statistical significance, respectively. RESULTS: In this study, 53.7% management capacity, 33.3% finance and budget capacity, 42.6% operational capacity, 37.0% technology capability and 53.7% organisational alignment among the five dimensions evaluated to assess an organisation's readiness to implement an EMR system. Of 411 health professionals in this study, 173 (42.1%) with (95 CI 37.3% to 46.8%) were ready to implement an EMR system at the hospital. Sex (AOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.73 to 4.18), basic computer training (AOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.46), knowledge of EMR (AOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.97) and attitudes towards EMR (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.59) were significantly associated with health professionals' readiness towards EMR system implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Findings showed that most dimensions of organizational readiness for EMR implementation were below 50%. This study also revealed a lower level of EMR implementation readiness among health professionals compared with previous research studies' results. To improve organisational readiness to implement an electronic medical record system, a focus on management capability, financial and budget capability, operational capability, technical capability and organisational alignment was crucial. Likewise, having basic computer training, giving special attention to female health professionals and improving health professionals' knowledge of and attitudes towards EMR could help improve the readiness level of health professionals for implementing an EMR system.

Predicting healthcare professionals' acceptance towards electronic personal health record systems in a resource-limited setting: using modified technology acceptance model.

OBJECTIVES: Personal health record systems allow users to manage their health information in a confidential manner. However, there is little evidence about healthcare providers' intentions to use such technologies in resource-limited settings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess predicting healthcare providers' acceptance of electronic personal health record systems. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 19 July to 23 August 2022 at teaching hospitals in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. A total of 638 health professionals participated in the study. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Structural equation modelling analysis was employed using AMOS V.26 software. RESULT: Perceived ease of use had a significant effect on the intention to use electronic personal health records (ß=0. 377, p<0.01), perceived usefulness (ß=0.104, p<0.05) and attitude (ß=0.204, p<0.01); perceived ease of use and information technology experience had a significant effect on perceived usefulness (ß=0.077, p<0.05); and digital literacy (ß=0.087, p<0.05) and attitude had also a strong effect on intention to use electronic personal health records (ß=0.361, p<0.01). The relationship between perceived ease of use and the intention to use was mediated by attitude (ß=0.076, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Perceived ease of use, attitude and digital literacy had a significant effect on the intention to use electronic personal health records. The perceived ease of use had a greater influence on the intention to use electronic personal health record systems. Thus, capacity building and technical support could enhance health providers' acceptance of using electronic personal health records in Ethiopia.

eHealth literacy and its associated factors in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic health has the potential benefit to the health system by improving health service quality efficiency effectiveness and reducing the cost of care. Having good e-health literacy level is considered essential for improving healthcare delivery and quality of care as well as empowers caregivers and patients to influence control care decisions. Many studies have done on eHealth literacy and its determinants among adults, however, inconsistent findings from those studies were found. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the pooled magnitude of eHealth literacy and to identify associated factors among adults in Ethiopia through systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD: Search of PubMed, Scopus, and web of science, and Google Scholar was conducted to find out relevant articles published from January 2028 to 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Two reviewers extracted the data independently by using standard extraction formats and exported in to Stata version11 for meta-analysis. The degree of heterogeneity between studies was measured using I2 statistics. The publication bias between studies also checked by using egger test. The pooled magnitude of eHealth literacy was performed using fixed effect model. RESULT: After go through 138 studies, five studies with total participants of 1758 were included in this systematic review and Meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of eHealth literacy in Ethiopia was found 59.39% (95%CI: 47.10-71.68). Perceived usefulness (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.36, 3.12),educational status(AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.11, 4.68), internet access (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.67, 3.30), knowledge on electronic health information sources(AOR = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.78, 3.78), electronic health information sources utilization (AOR = 2.55; 95%CI: 1.85, 3.52), gender (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.38, 2.41) were identified significant predictors of e-health literacy. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that more than half of study participants were eHealth literate. This finding recommends that creating awareness about importance of eHealth usefulness and capacity building to enhance and encouraging to use electronic sources and availability of internet has para amount to solution to increase eHealth literacy level of study participants.

Tele-pharmacy perception, knowledge and associated factors among pharmacy students in northwest Ethiopia: an input for implementers.

BACKGROUND: Tele-pharmacy is a subset of telemedicine in which pharmacies use telecommunication technology to provide patient care. Tele-pharmacy can improve pharmaceutical care service delivery by reducing medication errors, improving access to health professionals and facilities in remote and rural areas, and minimizing adverse drug events. However, there is limited evidence regarding future pharmacists' knowledge and perceptions of the Tele-pharmacy system in Ethiopia. As a result, this study aimed to assess tele-Pharmacy perception, knowledge and associated factors among pharmacy students in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 pharmacy students in Northwest Ethiopia between July 15 and August 27, 2022. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered using Epi info version 7.0 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to describe pharmacy students' knowledge and perceptions of Tele-pharmacy and identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio (OR) and a p-value with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: From a total of 352 participants, about 32.4% with [95% CI (27%-37%)] and 48.6% with [95% CI (43%-54%)] had good knowledge and a positive perception toward Tele-pharmacy, respectively. Being age group of 26-30 (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.68), being male (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.26-4.49), Having a CPGA of > 3.5 (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.24-4.19), Taking basic computer training (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.17-3.39), Management support (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.06-3.19) were found to be significantly associated with pharmacy students' knowledge of Tele-pharmacy. Similarly, having access to electronic devices (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.81-7.97), training related to pharmacy information systems (AOR = 6.66, 95% CI: 3.34-13.29), availability of guidelines (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.62-5.50) were found to be significantly associated with pharmacy students' perceptions of Tele-pharmacy. CONCLUSION: This study found that pharmacy students have limited knowledge and perceptions of the Tele-pharmacy system. A continuing Tele-pharmacy training package, incorporating pharmacy information system guidelines as part of their education, and providing managerial support could be recommended to improve pharmacy students' knowledge and perception of Tele-pharmacy.

Health Information Technologies in a Resource-Limited Setting: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Health Professionals.

The use of health information technology significantly enhances patient outcomes. As a result, policymakers from developing countries have placed strong emphasis on formulating eHealth policies and initiatives. However, there have not been many successful deployments to show for. The role of individual factors in the successful implementation of these technologies is indispensable. Therefore, this study assesses healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practice of health information technology. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from November 15 to December 29, 2020. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Student's t-test was used to learn if there were any significant differences in practice habits between participants with and without previous information technology-related training. In addition, first-order partial correlation was conducted to identify the relationship of knowledge and attitude with practice. A total of 347 health professionals responded to the questionnaire, yielding an 87.2% response rate. Most health professionals are not aware of how to use health information technologies. Notably, practice levels were low and needed prompt action from responsible authorities. Previous training did not work very well to improve the practice levels of health professionals. However, the positive attitude of these professionals encourages policymakers and implementers to engage closely.

Electronic Medical Record System Use and Determinants in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The strategic plan of the Ethiopian Ministry of Health recommends an electronic medical record (EMR) system to enhance health care delivery and streamline data systems. However, only a few exhaustive systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted on the degree of EMR use in Ethiopia and the factors influencing success. This will emphasize the factors that make EMR effective and increase awareness of its widespread use among future implementers in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the pooled estimate of EMR use and success determinants among health professionals in Ethiopia. METHODS: We developed a protocol and searched PubMed, Web of Sciences, African Journals OnLine, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus to identify relevant studies. To assess the quality of each included study, we used the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool using 9 criteria. The applicable data were extracted using Microsoft Excel 2019, and the data were then analyzed using Stata software (version 11; StataCorp). The presence of total heterogeneity across included studies was calculated using the index of heterogeneity I2 statistics. The pooled size of EMR use was estimated using a random effect model with a 95% CI. RESULTS: After reviewing 11,026 research papers, 5 papers with a combined total of 2439 health workers were included in the evaluation and meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of EMR usage in Ethiopia was 51.85% (95% CI 37.14%-66.55%). The subgroup study found that the northern Ethiopian region had the greatest EMR utilization rate (58.75%) and that higher (54.99%) utilization was also seen in publications published after 2016. Age groups <30 years, access to an EMR manual, EMR-related training, and managerial support were identified factors associated with EMR use among health workers. CONCLUSIONS: The use of EMR systems in Ethiopia is relatively low. Belonging to a young age group, accessing an EMR manual, receiving EMR-related training, and managerial support were identified as factors associated with EMR use among health workers. As a result, to increase the use of EMRs by health care providers, it is essential to provide management support and an EMR training program and make the EMR manual accessible to health professionals.

Understanding barriers of receiving short message service appointment reminders across African regions: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Patients frequently miss their medical appointments. Therefore, short message service (SMS) has been used as a strategy for medical and healthcare service appointment reminders. This systematic review aimed to identify barriers to SMS appointment reminders across African regions. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar and Web of Science were used for searching, and hand searching was done. Original studies written in English, conducted in Africa, and published since 1 December 2018, were included. The standard quality assessment checklist was used for the quality appraisal of the included studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flowchart diagram was used for study selection and screening, and any disagreements were resolved via discussions. RESULTS: A total of 955 articles were searched, 521 studies were removed due to duplication and 105 studies were assessed for eligibility. Consequently, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Five out of nine included studies were done by randomised control trials. The barriers that hampered patients, mothers and other parental figures of children when they were notified via SMS of medical and health services were identified. Among the 11 identified barriers, illiteracy, issues of confidentiality, familiarised text messages, inadequate information communication technology infrastructure, being a rural resident and loss of mobile phones occurred in at least two studies. CONCLUSIONS: SMS is an effective and widely accepted appointment reminder tool. However, it is hampered by numerous barriers. Hence, we gathered summarised information about users' barriers to SMS-based appointment reminders. Therefore, stakeholders should address existing identified barriers for better Mhealth interventions. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022296559.

COVID-19 preventive practice and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: COVID-19 is a global health concern due to its rapid spread and impact on morbidity and mortality. Implementing preventive measures plays an essential role in curbing the spread of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 preventive practice and associated factors in Ethiopia. Study design: This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Methods: Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, EMBASE, African Journal Online (AJOL) and Science Direct search engines were used to identify relevant articles published up to early December 2021. The Joana Brigg's Institute (JBI) checklist was used for quality appraisal. A random-effect model was fitted to calculate the pooled estimates. Higgins I2 statistics and Egger's test with funnel plots were analysed to check heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. Due to significant heterogeneity, subgroup analysis by region, study population, study design and publication year, as well as sensitivity analysis, were done to assess the source of heterogeneity. Results: The pooled level of poor preventive practice for COVID-19 in Ethiopia was 51.60% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.30-62.90). Poor COVID-19 preventive practice declined from 61% in studies published in 2020 to 45% in 2021. Lack of knowledge about COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.61 [95% CI: 2.49-10.73]), a negative attitude towards COVID-19 management (AOR = 2.64 [95% CI: 1.82-3.82]), rural residence (AOR = 2.95 [95% CI: 2.12-4.12]), a low educational level (AOR = 2.93 [95% CI: 2.16-3.98]) and being female (AOR = 1.75 [95% CI: 1.27-2.40]) were significantly associated with a poor level of COVID-19 preventive practice in Ethiopia. Conclusions: The level of poor COVID-19 preventive practice in Ethiopia was relatively high. Poor COVID-19 prevention practices were significantly correlated with inadequate COVID-19 knowledge, a negative attitude towards COVID-19 management, low educational attainment, living in a rural area and being female. Creating awareness and health education programmes targeting COVID-19 prevention should be strengthened, especially in the target populations identified in this study.

Health professionals knowledge of telemedicine and its associated factors working at private hospitals in resource-limited settings.

Introduction: The appropriate implementation of telemedicine in the healthcare system has the potential to overcome global problems such as accessibility and quality healthcare services. Thus assessing the knowledge of health professionals before the actual adoption of telemedicine is considered a prominent solution to the problems. Objective: This study aimed to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge of telemedicine and its associated factors at private hospitals in low-resource settings. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 health professionals at private hospitals in low-income settings in Ethiopia, from March to April 2021. Data collection was performed by pretested and self-administered questionnaires. This study employed statistical packages for social sciences software. This study employed multivariable logistic regression to determine dependent and independent variables associated with adjusted odd ratio and 95% CI. Result: in this study about 65.8% of health professionals have good knowledge on Telemedicine .Computer literacy (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.8, 4.6), computer training (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.3), Internet availability at workplace (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.3, 3.4), had private laptop (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.9) were significantly associated with knowledge. Conclusion and recommendation: In general health professionals had good knowledge of Telemedicine. Inclusive packages of capacity by training among health providers are fundamental for the successful implementation of telemedicine.

Identifying Barriers to the Adoption of Information Communication Technology in Ethiopian Healthcare Systems. A Systematic Review.

Background: Ethiopia's government has planned to digitize the healthcare industry. However, most implementations fail due to various technological and personnel barriers. As a result, this systematic review aimed to comprehensively examine evidence regarding the barriers to adopting information communication technology in the Ethiopian healthcare system. Methods: This systematic review was conducted by searching the major databases, such as Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, and other online databases. The authors looked for, analyzed, and summarized information about barriers to ICT adoption in the healthcare system. This study included nine articles that described barriers to ICT adoption in the Ethiopian healthcare system. Results: This systematic review identified 15 barriers to adopting ICT in the healthcare system. The reviewed articles looked into technological barriers to ICT adoption, such as ICT skill, ICT knowledge, a lack of training opportunities, a lack of computer literacy, a lack of computer access, inadequate internet connectivity, and a lack of experience with ICT were cited as barriers to ICT implementation in Ethiopia's healthcare system. Furthermore, organizational components such as Lack of job satisfaction, Lack of Refreshment training, poor staff initiation, management problem, poor infrastructure, and lack of resources remained barriers to ICT adoption in Ethiopia's healthcare system. Conclusion: This review confirmed that lack of training in ICT, poor ICT knowledge, Poor ICT skill, and a lack of computer access were the most common barriers to adopting ICT in the Ethiopian healthcare system. Therefore, it is recommended that the emphasized barriers to ICT adoption be addressed in order to modernize the current Ethiopian healthcare system.

Spatial distribution of vitamin A rich foods intake and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis of 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate micronutrients in the diet and vitamin A deficiency are worldwide public health problems. In developing regions, many preschool children are undernourished, become blind every year and died before the age of 23 months. This study was aimed to explore the spatial distribution of vitamin A rich foods intake among children aged 6-23 months and identify associated factors in Ethiopia. METHODS: Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019 dataset with a total 1407 children aged 6-23 months was used. Data management and processing were done using STATA version 15 software and Microsoft Office Excel. ArcMap version 10.7 software was used for mapping and spatial visualization of the distribution. Spatial scan statistics was performed using SaTScan version 9.5 software for Bernoulli-based model. Multilevel mixed effect logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Overall, 38.99% (95% CI: 36.46-41.62) of children aged 6- 23 months took vitamin A rich foods. Poor intake of vitamin A rich foods was significantly clustered Dire Dawa city, Somali and Harari regions of Ethiopia. Children aged 6-23 months lived in the primary cluster were 70% (RR = 1.70, P-value < 0.001) more likely to intake vitamin A rich foods than children lived outside the window. In the multilevel mixed effect logistic regression analysis, Primary educational status (AOR:1.42, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.93) and higher educational status (AOR:3.0, 95% CI: 1.59, 5.65) of mother, Dire Dawa (AOR:0.49, 95% CI: 0.22, 1.12) city, Afar (AOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.36), Amhara (AOR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.71) and Somali (AOR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.08) regions of Ethiopia, children aged 13-23 months (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.36), Mothers' exposure to media (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.92) were statistically significant factors for vitamin A rich foods intake among children aged 6-23 months. CONCLUSIONS: Only 4 out of ten children took vitamin A rich foods which is too low compared to the national target and significantly clustered in Ethiopia. Mother's educational status, Region, Child age and Mother's media exposure are significant factors vitamin A rich foods intake. Stakeholders should strengthen mothers' education status, creating awareness for mothers on child feeding and using locally available natural resource to produce vitamin A rich foods.

Use of social media for COVID-19-related information and associated factors among health professionals in Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Social media has become an alternative platform for communication during medical crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess social media usage for COVID-19-related information among health professionals. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was conducted among 370 health professionals. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered, and pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis techniques were used to describe respondents' social media usage for COVID-19 information and identify its associated factors. Results: About 54% (95% CI: 48-58%) of the participants had good social media usage for COVID-19-related information. Age≤30 (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.14-3.58), Wi-Fi/broadband Internet access (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.38-4.33), taking computer training (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.37-4.85), basic computer skill (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.71-6.29), and usefulness of social media (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.57-8.04) were found to be the significant factors associated with usage of social media for COVID-19-related information. Conclusion: The present study confirms that more than half of health professionals had good social media usage for COVID-19-related information. This shows that social media platforms can be used as a source of COVID-19-related information for health professionals if basic computer training is offered, internet connection is available in the workplace, and the usefulness of social media is emphasized.

Health Professionals' Attitude Toward the Use of Social Media for COVID-19 Related Information in Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Social media platform is one way to share online information regarding pandemic prevention. However, there is no study regarding the attitude of health professionals toward social media use for the COVID-19-related information. This study aimed to assess health professionals' attitudes toward using social media for COVID-19-related information. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 355 health professionals in Bahir Dar city public health centers, Northwest Ethiopia. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were entered by EPI-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to describe respondents' attitudes toward using social media for COVID-19 information and identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio (OR) and a p-value with a 95% CI were calculated to measure the strength of the association and assess statistical significance. Result: Out of 341 participants, about 73% of the participants had a good attitude toward the use of social media for COVID-19 information. Age < 24 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.74, 95% CI: (1.53-9.13)] and age group 25-34 years [AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: (1.04-4.86)], computer training [AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: (1.03-4.00)], usefulness of social media [AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: (1.58-6.67)], and trustworthiness [AOR = 3.57, 95% CI: (1.93-6.60)] were enabling factors for attitude toward the use of social media for COVID-19 related information. Conclusion: Health professionals had a moderate attitude toward using social media for accessing COVID-19-related information. This implies that after considering positive attitude predictors, such as providing basic computer training, emphasizing the usefulness of social media, and building trusted social media pages, social media platforms can be used as a source of COVID-19-related information for health professionals.

Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among adult chronic patients. A cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: People with pre-existing chronic diseases are more likely to acquire COVID-19 infections, which can be fatal, and die from COVID-19 illness. COVID-19 vaccination will benefit those at a higher risk of developing complications and dying from the disease. This study aimed to determine chronic patients' willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and the factors that influence their willingness. METHOD: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 adult chronic patients in the University of Gondar specialized hospital outpatient departments. The participants were chosen using systematic random sampling methods with an interval of 5. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from eligible respondents. Epi-data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25 were used for the data entry data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between the dependent and independent factors. An odds ratio with 95 percent confidence intervals and a P-value was used to determine the association's strength and statistical significance. RESULT: Out of 401 respondents, 219 (54.6%) with [95% CI (49.7-59.5%)] of study participants were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Being a healthcare worker (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.24-6.96), Lost family members or friends due to COVID-19 (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.21-5.00), good knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.37-4.33), favorable attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = .8.56 95% CI: 4.76-15.38), perceived suitability of the COVID-19 infection (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.62-5.33) and perceived benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.08-3.31), were found to be a significant association with the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among chronic patients. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that around 55% of adult chronic patients were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Providing health education for chronic patients to emphasize the knowledge and attitude of the COVID-19 vaccine and raise patients' perceived risk of COVID-19 and the benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine could be recommended to improve their willingness to COVID-19 vaccination.

Health professionals' knowledge and attitude towards patient confidentiality and associated factors in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Respecting patients' confidentiality is an ethical and legal responsibility for health professionals and the cornerstone of care excellence. This study aims to assess health professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors towards patients' confidentiality in a resource-limited setting. METHODS: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 health professionals. Stratified sampling methods were used to select the participants, and a structured self-administer questionnaire was used for data collection. The data was entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS, version 25. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to measure the association between the dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals and P value was calculated to determine the strength of association and to evaluate statistical significance. RESULT: Out of 410 participants, about 59.8% with [95% CI (54.8-68.8%)] and 49.5% with [95% CI (44.5-54.5%)] had good knowledge and favorable attitude towards patents confidentiality respectively. Being male (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI [1.03-2.59]), taking training on medical ethics (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = [1.11-2.70]), facing ethical dilemmas (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI [1.07-8.79]) were significantly associated factors for health professional knowledge towards patients' confidentiality. Likewise, taking training on medical ethics (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI [1.42-3.72]), having direct contact with the patients (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI [1.12-8.34]), visiting more patient (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI [2.46-7.80]), and facing ethical dilemma (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI [1.23-10.26]) were significant factors associated with attitude of health professionals towards patient confidentiality. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that health professionals have a limited attitude towards patient confidentiality but have relatively good knowledge. Providing a continuing medical ethics training package for health workers before joining the hospital and in between the working time could be recommended to enhance health professionals' knowledge and attitude towards patient confidentiality.