Physicians' knowledge and attitudes towards telesurgery and its associated factors in a resource-limited setting, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: a cross-sectional study design.

BACKGROUND: Telesurgery has become helpful in overcoming the current shortage of surgeons and reducing the barriers to timely and effective surgical intervention caused by long-distance travel, which is caused by distance, cost, complexity and frequent hazards. However, knowledge and attitude remain challenges in the implementation of such a system. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess physicians' knowledge and attitude towards telesurgery and associated factors at resource-limited setting, Northwest Ethiopia. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: A simple random sampling method was carried out to choose study participants from each referral hospital, and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to estimate knowledge and attitudes towards telesurgery among physicians and to identify factors associated with physician knowledge and attitudes towards telesurgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study design. SETTING: This study was conducted at six specialised referral hospitals and two specialised and teaching referral hospitals in the Amhara region, northwest Ethiopia. RESULT: 408 physicians were included for analysis, with a response rate of 96.45%. Among study participants, 47.8% and 43.1% had good knowledge and attitudes towards telesurgery, respectively. Educational status, digital literacy, source of information, computer training, digital health training and internet access in the organisation were factors associated with a physician's knowledge of telesurgery. Moreover, physician's knowledge, technology use, educational status, computer training, computer access and internet access in the organisation were factors associated with physicians' attitudes towards telesurgery. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Almost half of physicians had good knowledge, and less than half had a good attitude towards telesurgery, so healthcare policy-makers should improve physicians' digital literacy, technology use and internet access to enhance their knowledge and attitudes for future implementation.

Healthcare Professionals' Attitude to Using Mobile Health Technology and Its Associated Factors in a Resource-Limited Country-An Implication for Digital Health Implementers: A Cross Sectional Study.

Background: Mobile health has become widely used within the healthcare system, and there is an increasing worldwide trend toward employing this innovation for behavior management, disease monitoring, the control and prevention of various health issues, and rising enrollment in healthcare services. Although mHealth is becoming more widely available, there is no evidence about the attitude of healthcare professionals toward mHealth in southwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the attitude of healthcare professionals to using mHealth technology and associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 healthcare professionals. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire, and the study was conducted from January 08 to February 10, 2023. EpiData Version 4.6 for entering the data and STATA Version 14 for analyzing the data were used. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with healthcare professionals' attitudes to using mobile health technology. Results: A total of 415 study participants were included in the study. About 180 (43.4%) respondents had a favorable attitude toward mHealth technology in southwest public hospitals. Master's degree and above (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.67; 95% CI: 1.22, 4.10), good knowledge of mobile health technology (AOR: 4.08; 95% CI: 1.35, 5.31), more than 5 years of work experience (AOR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.76, 5.60), had ICT infrastructure (AOR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.38, 5.31), had own smart mobile (AOR: 3.67; 95% CI: 3.20, 4.31), and had taken computer-related training (AOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.73) were positively associated with healthcare professionals' attitude to using mobile health technologies in southwest Ethiopia. Conclusions: Overall, healthcare professionals' attitude to using mobile health technologies in southwest Ethiopia was relatively low. Education level, good knowledge, years of work experience, ICT infrastructure, having a smart mobile, and having taken computer-related training were significant factors of attitude to using mobile health technologies. Considering these factors could provide insight into developing and adopting mobile health technologies in Ethiopia.

Healthcare professionals' willingness to utilize a mobile health application for adverse drug reaction reporting in a limited resource setting: An input for digital health, 2023.

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in limited resource settings where underreporting is prevalent due to various challenges. Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) offer a promising solution to enhance pharmacovigilance by facilitating easier and more efficient ADR reporting. However, despite the increasing availability and use of mHealth apps, there is a lack of evidence on healthcare professionals' willingness to adopt them for ADR reporting in resource-constrained environments. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the willingness of healthcare professionals in Ethiopia to utilize mobile health applications for adverse drug reaction reporting and identify associated factors. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 422 healthcare professionals working in institutional settings. We gathered data through a pretested questionnaire that participants completed themselves. We inputted the data using Epi Data V.4.6 and analyzed it using SPSS V.26. Our analysis involved conducting multivariable logistic regression to identify the factors influencing the likelihood of healthcare professionals using mobile applications to report adverse drug reactions. Results: The study involved 389 healthcare professionals. Approximately 301 (77.4 %) of them expressed willingness to utilize mobile applications for reporting adverse drug reactions. The willingness to utilize mobile applications was significantly associated with the type of mobile phone (smart: AOR 3.56; 95 % CI 2.15-5.67), basic computer training (AOR 4.43; 95 % CI 2.27-8.64), mobile health-related training (AOR 1.96; 95 % CI 1.01-3.79), attitude (AOR 4.01; 95 % CI 2.19-7.35), perceived ease of use (AOR 2.91; 95 % CI 1.59-5.23), and perceived usefulness (AOR 2.10; 95 % CI 1.15-3.85). Conclusions: Overall, there was a high proportion of healthcare professionals willing to use mobile devices for reporting drug adverse reactions. Their willingness correlated with factors such as the type of mobile phone, perceived ease of use, attitude, training, and perceived usefulness of mobile applications. With the increasing use of smartphones, motivation among healthcare professionals is rising. Basic computer and mHealth-related training are crucial for enhancing the acceptability of such applications and should be incorporated into future implementations. Taking these factors into account could offer insights into the design and implementation of mobile applications for adverse drug reactions in Ethiopia.

Effective breastfeeding techniques and associated factors among lactating women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Effective breastfeeding is crucial for maternal and child health, particularly in low-resource settings like Ethiopia. It encompasses a range of skills and strategies, including proper latch, positioning, and frequency of feeding. These techniques not only ensure sufficient milk transfer but also foster bonding between mother and child, enhancing the breastfeeding experience. To effectively prioritize maternal and child health, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the prevalence and factors influencing effective breastfeeding nationwide. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a pooled prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques and associated factors among lactating mothers in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist, focusing on studies conducted in Ethiopia. We identified eight relevant studies through Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Analysis was conducted using STATA version 11, and systematic data extraction employed a checklist to extract relevant data. I2 tests and the Cochrane Q test statistic were used to evaluate heterogeneity. To explore potential publication bias, Egger's weighted regression, Begg's test, and a funnel plot were utilized. RESULTS: We identified a total of 955 research articles. Eight studies meeting the eligibility criteria were incorporated into this meta-analysis and systematic review. The pooled prevalence of effective breastfeeding techniques was 41.99% [95% CI 32.16-51.81]. According to the results of the current meta-analysis, effective breastfeeding techniques were significantly associated with antenatal care follow-up [OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.10-2.78], maternal educational status [OR = 2.70, 95% CI 1.55-4.71], breastfeeding technique counseling [OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.41-2.90], the absence of breast problems [OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.49-3.43], breastfeeding experience [OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.14-3.46], and immediate skin-to-skin contact [OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.56-3.44]. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the vital role of various factors in shaping effective breastfeeding. IMPLICATIONS: To improve practices and health outcomes, we recommend targeted interventions, such as strengthening antenatal care, implementing maternal education, and providing comprehensive breastfeeding counseling. Proactively addressing breast problems and prioritizing immediate skin-to-skin contact is crucial for successful breastfeeding.

Examining students' level of understanding toward COVID-19 and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate students' understanding of COVID-19 in Ethiopia and identify associated factors. The primary goal is to pinpoint key contributors shaping students' perception and comprehension of the virus. The study aims to offer valuable insights for developing targeted educational interventions, ultimately enhancing students' overall knowledge and awareness of the pandemic in the specific context of Ethiopia. Methods: The study adhered rigorously to PRISMA criteria, ensuring a standardized methodology. Data from reputable databases like Google Scholar and PubMed were systematically collected. Ten relevant articles were meticulously analyzed using STATA version 11, with heterogeneity assessed by the I2 test. A funnel plot and Egger's test were used to check for publication bias. The determination of the pooled effect size utilized a random-effect model meta-analysis, offering a robust 95% confidence interval. Results: This meta-analysis, based on 10 articles, reveals an overall prevalence of 61.58% (95% CI: 47.26-75.89). Significant contributors to students' comprehension include Social media users (AOR) = 2.38, urban residence AOR = 3.31, news media followers AOR = 2.51, fathers' educational status AOR = 2.35, watching television AOR = 4.71, and health science students AOR = 4.21. These findings underscore crucial elements shaping students' understanding of COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Our analysis indicates that 61.58% of Ethiopian students possess a good understanding of COVID-19. Factors such as active social media engagement, geographic location, frequency of news consumption, father's level of education, television viewing habits, and enrollment in health science programs significantly influence their comprehension. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to enhance health literacy and education among students, thereby facilitating a more effective response to pandemics.

Evaluating digital literacy of health professionals in Ethiopian health sectors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Digital literacy refers to the capacity to critically assess digital content, use digital tools in professional settings, and operate digital devices with proficiency. The healthcare sector has rapidly digitized in the last few decades. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the digital literacy level of health professionals in the Ethiopian health sector and identify associated factors. The study reviewed relevant literature and analyzed the data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of digital literacy among health professionals in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study was examined by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Evidence was gathered from the databases of Google Scholar, Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Hinari, CINAHL, and Global Health. Consequently, five articles met the eligible criteria for inclusion. The analysis was carried out using STATA version 11. The heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 test, while the funnel plot and Egger's regression test statistic were used to examine for potential publication bias. The pooled effect size of each trial is evaluated using a random effect model meta-analysis, which provides a 95% confidence interval. RESULT: A total of five articles were included in this meta-analysis and the overall pooled prevalence of this study was 49.85% (95% CI: 37.22-62.47). six variables, Monthly incomes AOR = 3.89 (95% CI: 1.03-14.66), computer literacy 2.93 (95% CI: 1.27-6.74), perceived usefulness 1.68 (95% CI: 1.59-4.52), educational status 2.56 (95% CI: 1.59-4.13), attitude 2.23 (95% CI: 1.49-3.35), perceived ease of use 2.22 (95% CI: 1.52-3.23) were significantly associated with the outcome variable. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study revealed that the overall digital literacy level among health professionals in Ethiopia was relatively low. The study highlights the importance of addressing the digital literacy gap among health professionals in Ethiopia. It suggests the need for targeted interventions, such as increasing monthly incomes, giving computer training, creating a positive attitude, and educational initiatives, to enhance digital literacy skills among health professionals. By improving digital literacy, health professionals can effectively utilize digital technologies and contribute to the advancement of healthcare services in Ethiopia.

Trend, geographical distribution, and determinants of modern contraceptive use among married reproductive-age women, based on the 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: The most common family planning method is modern contraception. It is a cost-effective way to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and enable women to make informed choices about their reproductive and sexual health. The trend of modern contraceptive utilization has shown drastic change in Ethiopia, and identifying the major factors contributing to such a drastic change is vital to improving plans and strategies for family planning programs. Therefore, this study analyzed the trend, geographical distribution, and determinants of modern contraceptive use among married reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. METHOD: This study used secondary data from the EDHS 2000-2016, collected from a population-based cross-sectional study by the Central Statistical Agency, focusing on married reproductive-age women aged 15-49. The study analyzed the modern contraceptive use trends through descriptive analyses conducted in three phases: 2000-2005, 2005-2011, and 2011-2016. The study utilized bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify determinant factors, with significant variables declared using a P-value of 0.05 and an adjusted OR with 95% confidence interval. Analysis was conducted using STATA.14 and R. Spatial analysis was done using ArcGIS version 10.8 and SatScan™ version 9.6. RESULT: A weighted total of 33,478 women are included in the study, with a mean age of 31.4 years (8.6 SD). There was a significant increase in the trend of modern contraceptive use among married women over the study period, from 2000 to 2016, from 7.2% to 2000 to 15.7% in 2005, to 30% in 2011, and to 39.5% in 2016. The maximum increase was seen in the second phase (2005-2011), with a 14.3% increase. Factors like age of respondents, educational status, religion, residence, region, wealth index, number of living children, husbands' desire to have more children, and media exposure were found to be predictors for modern contraceptive utilization. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of modern contraceptive use is below 50%, and there is also evidence of wide geographical variation in modern contraceptive use in Ethiopia. Thus, policymakers, high institutions, and other stakeholders must work collaboratively with the government in order to improve awareness about modern contraceptive use.

Exploring facilitators and barriers of the sustainable acceptance of e-health system solutions in Ethiopia: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: eHealth is the use of information and communications technologies in support of health and health-related fields, including healthcare services, health surveillance, health literature, and health education knowledge and research, has the potential to improve the delivery and support of healthcare services by promoting information sharing and evidence-based health practice. Acceptance of e-health in Ethiopia using systematic review is uncertain. As a result, this study aimed to assess barriers and facilitators of the sustainable acceptance of e-health system adoption in Ethiopia through a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to conduct this study. Relevant articles have been searched in Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Embrace, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and empirical research done in Ethiopia is the main emphasis of the search strategy. The total number of studies that satisfied the criteria for inclusion was ten. In this research, empirical data related to e-health acceptance factors were retrieved, examined, and summarized by the authors. RESULTS: This systematic review identified a total of 25 predictors that have been found in the ten studies. The identified facilitators were effort expectancy, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influences, attitude, computer literacy, participant age, perceived enjoyment, and educational status, duration of mobile device use, organizational culture, and habit. Moreover, technology anxiety was the most barrier to sustainable acceptance of e-health systems in Ethiopia. CONCLUSIONS: The most common facilitator identified from the predictors was effort expectancy, which played a major role in the adoption of the e-health system in Ethiopia. Therefore, eHealth implementers and managers in those settings should give users of the system priority in improving the technical infrastructure by regularly providing them with basic facilitating conditions. They should also pay attention to the system they want to implement because doing so will improve the users' perception of the system's value and attitude.