Abstract:
Introduction: Evidence based practice utilization (EBP) is the most up to date methods of providing care, which had been proven through appraisal of high-quality studies and statistically significant research findings. Midwives must work to enhance the caliber of care services and the performance of health care professionals in order to give the finest maternity care possible. However, there is little comprehensive information or data available on this issue, hence this study set out to evaluate the use of EBP and related variables in Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was carried out among midwives working in Amhara regional state referral hospitals from January11st-25th, 2023. A total of 419 midwives participated in this study and they selected using simple random sampling technique. Pretested, structured and self-administered questionnaire had been used to collect the data. Data entered into Epi-Data Version 4.2 and exported into SPSS Version 26 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis used to identify independent variables associated with dependent variable. Variables having p-value less than 0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable analysis to control the confounders. Finally, P-values of less than 0.05 were a cut-of-point to declare significantly significant in multivariable analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI used to see the strength of association.
Results: Less than half, 179 (44.8%, 95% CI: 40.0, 50.0) of the study participants utilized EBP in their working environment. Availability of updated national guidelines in their working environment (AOR:2.34:95%CI:1.34,4.1), midwives who had master degree (AOR: 4.92: 95%CI: 1.90, 12.73), trained with evidence-based care/practice (AOR:1.84:95%CI: 1.04, 3.24), access to internet/Wi-Fi in their working environment/ unit (AOR: 2.98: 95%CI: 1.38, 6.44) were found to have significantly associated with evidence-based practice utilization.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The magnitude of utilization of EBP by midwives in Amhara regional state referral hospitals was low. Availability of updated national guidelines or protocols, access of Wi-Fi/ internet in working unit, educational level of midwives and being trained on evidence-based practice were identified significantly associated with utilization of EBP. The concerned stakeholders need to make effort to address uniform updated national guidelines, uninterrupted internet access, capacity building educational and training opportunities for who work in different health institutions. That is imperative and recommended to the concerned body
