Abstract:
Abstract
Background: Social media becomes an alternative platform for communication during
medical crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep up-to-date with the latest COVID19
information
and
to
create
public
awareness
about
the
pandemic,
social
media
play
a
powerful
tool for health care professionals. However, there is limited evidence on the
usage of social media for COVID-19 related information in Ethiopia. This study will fill
the evidence gaps on the usage of social media for COVID-19 related information
among health professionals.
Objective: To assess the usage of social media for COVID-19-related information and
its associated factor among health professionals working at health centers in Bahir Dar
town.
Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was conducted among 370 health
professionals working in 10 health centers in the Bahir Dar Town. Data were collected
using a semi-structured, self-administered, and pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive
and binary logistic regression analysis technique were used to describe respondents
usage of social media for COVID-19 information and identify its associated factors,
respectively.
Results: About 54% with
attitude towards social media usage were positively associated with the use of social
media for COVID-19 related information. Therefore, improving health professionals’
computer skills through training, providing internet access in the workplace, and
creating awareness on health professionals about the usefulness of social media could
help to increase social media usage for COVID-19 related information.
Keywords: Social Media Usage, Health Professionals, Health Information, COVID-19
