Article type
Abstract
"Context
Despite its recognition as the gold standard for clinical best practice, evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) remains scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the frequency of EIDM use in health decision-making and its determinants in Cameroon.
Method
We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with online data collection in February 2024. Participants included health professionals from medical, nursing, NGO and public health administration sectors in Cameroon. Data was gathered through a Google Form sent to our contact list, with whom we regularly share evidence synthesis. Qualitative data were described as number and frequency, while quantitative data were described using mean and standard deviation. Proportion were compared with a Chi-Square test.
Results
A total of 72 participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 32.7 ± 4.9 years, with 56.2% male, and an average of 6.5 ± 3.3 years of experience. General practitioners constituted 24.7%, specialists 16.4%, and public health professionals 19.2%. Most worked in hospital settings (65.8%), while 17.8% and 14.6% were in public health administration and NGOs, respectively. Over 90% were aware of EIDM, yet regular use varied from 9.7% in academic settings to 22.6% in NGOs (p > 0.05). The main barriers were lack of skills in literature search and critical appraisal of research papers, reported by 53.4% and 54.8%, respectively.
Conclusion
EIDM is utilized by less than a quarter of health professionals in Cameroon, with the primary barriers being competencies in literature search and critical article reading. Capacity building in these areas could enhance the use of EBDM and improve population health
"
Despite its recognition as the gold standard for clinical best practice, evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) remains scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the frequency of EIDM use in health decision-making and its determinants in Cameroon.
Method
We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with online data collection in February 2024. Participants included health professionals from medical, nursing, NGO and public health administration sectors in Cameroon. Data was gathered through a Google Form sent to our contact list, with whom we regularly share evidence synthesis. Qualitative data were described as number and frequency, while quantitative data were described using mean and standard deviation. Proportion were compared with a Chi-Square test.
Results
A total of 72 participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 32.7 ± 4.9 years, with 56.2% male, and an average of 6.5 ± 3.3 years of experience. General practitioners constituted 24.7%, specialists 16.4%, and public health professionals 19.2%. Most worked in hospital settings (65.8%), while 17.8% and 14.6% were in public health administration and NGOs, respectively. Over 90% were aware of EIDM, yet regular use varied from 9.7% in academic settings to 22.6% in NGOs (p > 0.05). The main barriers were lack of skills in literature search and critical appraisal of research papers, reported by 53.4% and 54.8%, respectively.
Conclusion
EIDM is utilized by less than a quarter of health professionals in Cameroon, with the primary barriers being competencies in literature search and critical article reading. Capacity building in these areas could enhance the use of EBDM and improve population health
"