Evidence-Based Practice and Its Associated Factors among Health Professionals Working at Public Hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction. “Evidence-based practice” (EBP) is the process of incorporating clinical expertise and taking patient values and preferences into consideration when making clinical decisions. It is used to describe the provision of high-quality patient care. Objective. This study is aimed at assessing evidence-based practice and associated factors among health professionals working at public hospitals in Illu Aba Bora and Buno Bedele Zones, Oromia Region, Southwest Ethiopia, in 2022. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May 8 to June 20 at public hospitals in Illu Aba Bora and Buno Bedele Zones, Oromia Region, Southwest Ethiopia. A total of 423 health professionals were included, using proportional allocation and simple random sampling. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was entered using EpiData version 4.6, and the collected data was cleared, arranged, coded, and then analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Descriptive statistics and bivariable and multivariable analyses of logistic regression with AOR (95% CI) were performed at $p<0.05$ . Result. The study revealed that 36.2% of health professionals had good evidence-based practice. The factors found to be significantly associated with good EBP include having training in EBP ( $\text{AOR}=5.43$ ; 95% CI: 4.323, 9.532), good knowledge ( $\text{AOR}=1.91$ ; 95% CI: 1.065, 3.541), a favorable attitude ( $\text{AOR}=1.91$ ; 95% CI: 1.884, 2.342), and work experience greater than 5 years ( $\text{AOR}=1.58$ ; 95% CI: 1.482, 2.437). Conclusion. The evidence-based practice of health professionals was poor. Evidence-based practice should included in the curriculum, and also planned trainings need to be delivered to all health professionals, inorder to enhancing their knowledge as well as their attitudes by motivating them to increase evidence-based practice.