Evidence-based practice among health professionals in hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach to patient care based on the best available and valid evidence. It is accentuated to increase the quality of care and patient safety. EBP in clinical service is low in developing countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed at assessing EBP and associated factors among health professionals in North Gondar Administrative Zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia.

Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from March to May 2015 in three hospitals in North Gondar Zone. A stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select 438 respondents. Trained data collectors collected data using a pre-tested, structured and self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, level of knowledge, attitude and organizational factors. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7.0 and analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify the associated factors.

In total, 431 returned questionnaires were valid for the analysis making a response rate of 98.4%. Almost half, 53% (228) of study participants utilized EBP. EBP utilization was significantly associated with knowledge [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.612, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (1.06-2.45)], Internet access [AOR: 1.831, 95% CI = (1.191-2.816)], training [AOR: 1.906, 95% CI (1.223-2.97)], and availability of enough time to apply EBP [AOR: 1.698, 95% CI = (1.122-2.57)].

This study depicts EBP utilization was insufficient. We observed that knowledge of EBP, training, Internet access and availability of time were significantly associated with utilizing EBP. Improving facilities Internet access, giving more time for EBP, and training health professionals about search strategies would improve EBP.