PRACTICE OF CODE OF ETHICS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN CENTRAL GONDAR ZONE PUBLIC HOSPITALS, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2021

Abstract

Abstract Background: Ethics is defined as the science of moral and ethical rules recognized in human life, which attempts to verify what is morally right and what is morally wrong in human action. To deliver quality health care service and to maintain clients’ satisfaction in the health care service; health facilities and health professionals must follow principles of health care ethics. There was limited information in Ethiopia regarding on the practice of code of ethics among health professionals. Objective: To assess the practice of code of ethics and associated factors among health professionals in Central Gondar Zone public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia in 2021. Methods: Facility based cross-sectional quantitative study supported by qualitative approach was conducted to assess the practice of ethics and associated factors among 631 health professionals selected by using multistage simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using pretested self-administered structured questionnaire for the quantitative part and key informant interview with semi-structured questionnaire was used for the qualitative part. Variable with a p-value of <0.2 in binary logistic regression were entered in to multivariable logistics regression, then p-value <0.05and AOR were used to declare statistically significant variable in quantitative data. A thematic content analysis method was used for qualitative data analysis. Results: This study revealed that only 286 (46.7%) of health professionals had good practice of code of ethics. Good ethical knowledge (AOR =1.951, 95% CI: 1.374-2.770), favorable attitude (AOR = 1.547 95% CI: 1.106-2.163), and satisfied health professional by their jobs 51.7% (AOR = 1.453, 95% CI: (1.037-2.036) were significantly associated with practice of health care ethics. Conclusions and Recommendation: The overall magnitude of practice of health professional health care ethics in Central Gondar Zone was poor. There is a need of practical based training, continuous follow up, and availing necessary medical equipment, develop smooth working environment and adjust the rewarding and promotion system for the health professionals. Key words: Ethical practice, health professionals, public health, Ethiopia.