DIGITAL LITERACY LEVEL AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MEDICAL RECORD UNIT WORKERS AT PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN SIDAMA REGION, ETHIOPIA, 2021

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Ethiopian ministry of health has declared information revolution as part of health sector transformation plan. Digitalization and scale-up of priority health information system (HIS) is one of the two pillars in information revolution. Digitalization of medical record unit is important to capture basic socio-demographic data of patient and to store electronic medical data coming from different departments in the facility forever and accesses when needed. Medical record unit staff needs to be more digital literate to use technology in patient data management practices effectively and efficiently. The aim of this study was to assess digital literacy level and its associated factors among medical record unit workers at public health facilities in Sidama region Ethiopia, 2021. Objectives: This study aimed to determine digital literacy level and its associated factors among medical record unit workers at health facilities in Sidama region, Ethiopia, 2021. Method: An institutional based cross sectional quantitative study was applied among medical record unit workers in public health facilities in sidama region from April 05 to June 02, 2021. Data were collected from the study population using a structured self-administered questionnaire. All medical record unit workers were included .After data collection complete, the data were entered into EPI INFO version 7 and analyzed by SSPS version 20 software. Descriptive statistics like frequency tables and percentages were used to descriptive data. At bivariable analysis, the effect of each independent variable was tested at individual level. Variables with p-value less than 0.2 were taken to multivariable analysis and existence of association was declared for variables at 95% confidence interval. Result: A total of 443 of self-administered questionnaires were distributed to medical record unit workers worked at public health facilities in Sidama region ,Ethiopia ,from those,421 questioners were completed with response rate of 95.03%. Of all study participants, 245(58.2%) of the study participants had high digital literacy IX

level. At multivariable analysis taking computer training (95% CI [2.35_7.84]) ,attitude toward digital technology (95% CI[1.05_2.79]), computer use experience (95% CI[1.16_4.18]) and work experience (95% CI[1.16_3.29]) were significantly associated with dependent variable at 95% confidence interval. Conclusion: The overall digital literacy level of medical record unit workers at public health facilities in sidama region was relatively high. This study found that taking computer training, attitude toward use digital technology, computer use experience and work experience were significantly affects the digital literacy level of medical record unit workers at public health facilities in Sidama region, Ethiopia. Recommendation: The health facilities managers should give basic computer training for medical record unit workers collaborate with sidama regional health bureau. I have assed basic level of digital literacy level among medical record unit workers; it is better if future researcher investigates intermediate level of digital literacy among medical record unit workers. Keyword: Digital Literacy, Medical Record Unit Worker, Associated Factors, Ethiopia.