Use of social media for COVID-19 related information and its associated factor among health professionals working at health centers in Bahir Dar town, Northwest Ethiopia,2021

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