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

Digital health literacy and associated factors among health professionals during the outbreak of corona virus pandemic in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare delivery worldwide. Digital tools emerged as a preferred solution for maintaining healthcare services during this crisis. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of digital health literacy among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia in 2020-2023.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles published from 2020 to 2023 were reviewed using various electronic databases such as Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Global Health. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17, and publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed.

Results

Six studies involving a total of 2739 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled level of high digital health literacy among health professionals in Ethiopia during the pandemic was found to be 56.0% (95% CI: 55, 58). Several factors were identified as significant contributors to high digital health literacy, including internet use (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.86, 3.98), perceived ease of use (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.83, 4.25), favorable attitude (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.61, 3.85), perceived usefulness (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.18), information-communication-technology training (AOR = 6.09, 95% CI: 1.83, 24.27), and educational level (AOR = 3.60, 95% CI: 2.96, 4.37).

Conclusion and recommendation

The study findings revealed a moderate level of high digital health literacy among Ethiopian health professionals. Factors such as internet use, favorable attitude, and information-communication-technology training were associated with high-level digital health literacy. To enhance digital health literacy, it is crucial to provide timely training and improve internet access for healthcare professionals. Additionally, promoting the perception of digital tools as useful and supporting evidence-based decision-making can further improve digital health literacy. Comprehensive information-communication-technology training programs should be implemented to equip healthcare professionals with necessary skills to effectively combat outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.