Evidence-based practice and associated factors among healthcare professionals in private hospitals in Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Geleta Nenko Dube, Teshome Bekana, Miesa Gelchu, Solomon Seyife Alemu, Gelgelo Wodessa, Biruktawit Lelisa Eticha, Anteneh Fikrie TekolaBackground
Evidence-based practice combines patient values, clinical competence, and the best scientific research to enhance patient outcomes and lower costs. There is a scarcity of studies specifically investigating the implementation of evidence-based practices among healthcare professionals in private hospitals in Ethiopia, particularly due to the distinct resource limitations that differ significantly from those of public facilities. Therefore, the study aimed to assess evidence-based practice and associated factors among health professionals in private hospitals in Oromia region, Ethiopia.
Methods
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at private hospitals in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia from November 8 to December 10, 2025. The study involved 423 health professionals selected through proportional allocation and simple random sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection. The data were entered using EpiData version 4.6, followed by cleaning, coding, and analysis with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Both descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses, including bivariable and multivariable analyses with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), were employed, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.
Results
Our study indicated that 35.3% (95% CI: 26.7–37.8) of healthcare professionals exhibited good evidence-based practice. The study showed that several factors significantly associated with evidence-based practice: 30-39 age years (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.32), physicians (AOR = 3.78; 95% CI: 1.26, 14.67), receiving training (AOR = 3.27; 95% CI: 1.53, 7.85), good knowledge (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.94, 8.42), favorable attitude (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.21, 6.95), and working time greater than 8 hours (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.63).
Conclusion and recommendation
Overall, the level of evidence-based practice among healthcare professionals in private hospitals in Oromia Region, Ethiopia was low. The study depicted that age (30- 39 years), educational level, evidence-based practice training, good knowledge, favorable attitude, and working time were significant factors that positively affect evidence-based practice. Thus, improved online resources, computer access, internet connectivity in hospitals, training for health professionals on evidence-based practice, and promoting positive attitudes are likely to enhance the level and implementation of evidence-based practice.