Electronic Health-Information Resource Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Health Professionals in Amhara Regional State Teaching Hospitals, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: With the rapid advancement and growth of computer and networking technologies, there is also significant growth in the availability and use of various types of electronic information resources. The availability of health information provides confidence for health professionals in clinical decision-making and improves practical skills and attitudes to care. Due to limited studies, the extent of health professionals’ electronic health-information resource (EHIR) utilization at specialized teaching hospitals in Amhara regional state is not known. This study aimed to assess the level of EHIRutilization and identify associated factors among health professionals at teaching hospitals in Amhara, Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals working at specialized teaching hospitals in Amhara from February 23 to May 10, 2020. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the utilization of EHIRs. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify which factors were associated with EHIR use. RESULTS: A total of 383 (93.6% response rate) participants responded by completing the questionnaire, and 70.8% (271 of 383) of study participants used EHIRs. eHealth literacy (AOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.03–3.54), Internet access (AOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.06–3.67), computer literacy (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.68–5.76), information-searching skills (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.05–3.39), and computer access in the working area (AOR 2.50, 95% CI 1.55–5.54) were factors significantly associated with utilization of EHIRs. CONCLUSION: Nearly three-quarters of the health professionals utilized EHIRs. However, most reported that they encountered problems while they were using those resources. For better utilization levels, giving training in the area of electronic information-resource use, increasing awareness of health professionals about available resources, and improving Internet and computer access in each hospital are recommended.