Abstract:
Background: Patient portal technology is increasingly utilized in the health care system for diabetes management, as means of communication and information-sharing tools and it has the potential to improve access, quality, and outcomes for diabetic patients. However, its adaption is relatively low and patients’ intention towards patient portal is unknown. This study aims to fill this gap by determining the intention to use the patient portal and its predictors among diabetic patients in Ethiopia.
Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1078 diabetes patients from April 3 to May 8 in eight referral hospitals Amhara region, Ethiopia 2023. Sample was proportionally allocated for each hospital and participants were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. The data were collected in the same period in all hospitals by using interviewer-administered questioner; by kobo collect mobile app. Descriptive statistics were done using SPSS version 26. The degree of association between exogenous and endogenous variables was assessed and validated using structural equation modeling by AMOS version 21.
Result: A total of 1037 (96.2% response rate) diabetic patients participated in the study. Of them 407(39.25%), 95% CI: [36.4–42.2] were found to have an intention to use patient portal. Digital literacy (β =0.312, 95% CI: [0.154-0.465], p < 0.01) performance expectancy (β =0.303, 95% CI: [0.185-0.420], p < 0.01) effort expectancy (β = 0.25 95% CI: [0.131-0.392], p < 0.01) facilitating condition (β = 0.22 95% CI: [0.081-0.36], p < 0.01) and habit (β = 0.111 95% CI: [-0.009-0.227], p < 0.05) were significantly associated with intention to use patient portal. Effort expectancy and facilitating condition were positively moderated by gender.
Conclusion: This study found that diabetes patient’s intention to use patient portal was low. Intervention in digital literacy, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and habit are needed to improve diabetic patient’s intention to use the patient portal.
