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.

Birth preparedness and pregnancy complication readiness and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis.

Maternal and child deaths occur during pregnancy and delivery. Timely information on signs of pregnancy complications and ways to plan for normal birth is a strategy to reduce maternal and child deaths. The purpose of this study was to assess birth preparedness, and pregnancy complications readiness and identify associated factors in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 1635 weighted samples of pregnant women were included for analysis from the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data set. Multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of potential variables on birth preparedness and complication readiness. STATA version 15 software was used for data processing and analysis. A variable with a p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered a significant factor. Pregnant women were informed about convulsions (8.02%), fever (35.95%), abdominal pain (28.92%), leaking fluid from the vagina (28.21%), and blurred vision (17.98%). Pregnant women prepared for supplies needed for birth (38.70%), transportation (20.04%), money (18.97%), people's support for birth (5.03%), and blood donors (3.11%). Only 56% and 44.91% of pregnant women had good birth preparedness and were informed about pregnancy complications respectively. Educational status, antenatal care visits, and region were significant factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness. Distance to health facility and residency were significantly associated with birth and complication readiness, respectively. Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women were low in Ethiopia. Empowering women with education, installing safe roads, building accessible health facilities, and emphasizing pregnancy complications and birth preparedness plans during antenatal care visits are important interventions to enhance birth preparedness and pregnancy complication readiness.

Knowledge of telemedicine and its associated factors among health professional in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine is a useful tool for decreasing hospital stress, patient suffering, ambulance needs, hospital anxiety, and costs while improving the standard of care. Nonetheless, the lack of awareness regarding telemedicine poses a barrier to its application, presenting several difficulties in underdeveloped nations like Ethiopia. This review evaluates Ethiopian-specific telemedicine knowledge and associated factors. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted using a search of several online databases in addition to the main databases, like Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct. The writers have looked for, reviewed, and summarized information about telemedicine knowledge in the healthcare system. This study contained seven studies that examined telemedicine knowledge in the Ethiopian healthcare sector. Studies that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) were found using search engines. The investigation was carried out using STATA version 11. The indicator of heterogeneity (I2) was used to assess the level of heterogeneity among the included studies. The funnel plot was visually inspected, and Egger's regression test was run to check for publication bias. The pooled effect size of every study is estimated using a random-effect model meta-analysis. RESULTS: Examination of 2160 studies, seven studies involving 2775 health professionals, and seven out of the 2160 publications assessed satisfied the inclusion criteria and were added to the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Telemedicine knowledge was 45.20 (95% CI: 34.87-55.53). Whereas the pooled factor was computer training was 2.24 times (AOR = 2.24 (95%; CI: 1.64-3.08)), computer access was 2.07 times (AOR = 2.07 (95% CI: 1.50-2.87)), internet access was 3.09 times (AOR = 3.09 (95% CI: 1.34-7.13)), social media access were 3.09 times (AOR = 3.09(95%; CI: 1.34-7.13)), educational status degree and above were 2.73 times (AOR = 2.73; 95% CI: 0.85-8.82), Awareness were 3.18 times (AOR = 3.18 (95%; CI: 1.02-9.91)), Management support was 1.85 (AOR = 1.85 (95% CI: 01.25-2.75)), computer literacy were 2.90 times (AOR = 2.90 (95% CI: 1.81-4.64)), computer owner were 1.70 times (AOR = 1.70 (95% CI: 1.05-2.76)), male gender were 1.95 times (AOR = 1.95 (95% CI: 1.32-2.87)). CONCLUSION: The overall pooled prevalence of telemedicine knowledge was low. Gender, education, management support, computer access, social media access, internet access, telemedicine awareness, and telemedicine training associated with telemedicine knowledge.

Willingness to use telemedicine during COVID-19 among health professionals in a low income country.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has prompted rapid restructuring of the health-care system in an effort to stop the spread of the pandemic. Thus, telemedicine is more preferable in order to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic when face to face meeting is forbidden, allowing provision of health service over a distance. This study aimed to assess willingness to use telemedicine and factors that will determine their extent of willingness during COIVID-19 among healthcare providers working in south west of Ethiopia. METHODS: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was applied to assess willingness to use telemedicine among healthcare providers working at public health hospitals in south west of Ethiopia. Self-administered questionnaires were used. We have used Epi-info for data entry and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) for analysis. A structural equation modeling was performed to identify factors associated with willingness to use telemedicine at 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULT: In this study, less than half of respondents had high willingness to use telemedicine. Ease of use (ß = 0.79, 95% CI: [0.72, 0.86], p < 0.01), attitude (ß = 0.91, 95% CI: [0.87, 0.95], p < 0.01) and patient-physician relationships (ß = 0.67, 95% CI: [0.54, 0.70], p < 0.01) were variables associated with willingness to use telemedicine. Anxiety towards technology (ß = 0.74, 95% CI: [0.69, 0.79], p < 0.01) and patient-physician relationships (ß = 0.87, 95% CI: [0.81, 0.92], p < 0.01) were determinant factors of attitude to use telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS: The overall willingness to use telemedicine during COVID-19 in this setting is 46.5%. Addressing the problem related with ease of use, attitude and patient-physician relationships will help to increase the overall willingness to use telemedicine during COVID-19. An attempt to improving patient-physician relationship, provision of technical training for ease of use and working on healthcare providers' attitude will help to improve the willingness to use telemedicine.