Informatics in Medicine Unlocked (Jan 2023)

Knowledge and attitude toward evidence-based medicine and associated factors among health science students in Mettu University southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

  • Adamu Ambachew Shibabaw,
  • Agmasie Damtew Walle,
  • Sisay Maru Wubante,
  • Fikadu Wake Butta,
  • Addisalem Workie Demsash,
  • Melaku Molla Sisay,
  • Shimels Derso Kebede,
  • Muluken Belachew Mengistie,
  • Daniel Niguse Mamo

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 38
p. 101228

Abstract

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Introduction: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is “the process of systematically seeking, examining, evaluating, and utilizing current research findings as the basis for clinical decision-making by combining both individual clinical competence and client choice”. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude toward EBM and its associated factors among health science students in Mettu University. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a random sample of health science students in Mettu University from November to December 2022. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with the knowledge and attitude toward EBM. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval and P ≤ 0.05 was used to quantify strength of association between variables. Results: Out of 423 health science students 415 completed the questionnaire (with a 98.1% response rate). Overall, 49.4% (205/415) of respondents had a favorable attitude toward EBM and 50.6% (208/415) had good knowledge of EBM. The majority 61.1% (253/415) of participants had internet access. Only 12.0% (50/415) of respondents had received EBM-related training. Respondent's EBM training was associated with knowledge of EBM were 2.7 times (AOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.38, 5.31), those who understood sensitivity were 3.0 times (AOR 3.09, 95% CI 1.76, 3 0.60), those who understood odds ratio were 2.0 times (AOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.35, 2.38), Aware of PubMed were 1.9 times (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.03, 3.73), and Owned smart-phone or PC were 3.6 times (AOR 3.67, 95% CI 3.20, 4.31). Good EBM knowledge was 3.0 times (AOR 3.01, 95% CI 2.05, 3.12), Aware of PubMed resources to make clinical decisions was 2.9 times (AOR 2.99, 95% CI 3.20, 3.61), and Participants owned a smartphone or personal computer were 3.2 times (AOR 3.23, 95% CI 3.05, 3.57) were predictors of positive attitude. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a lack of formal EBM training and awareness of basic concepts of EBM among health science students. Health science students' attitude toward EBM were 49.4% to enhance EBM knowledge and skills, formal teaching of EBM courses should be integrated into medical education.

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