KNOWLEDG OF,AND ATTITUDE TOWARD, CODES OF ETHICS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN DERASHE SPECIAL WOREDA PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction:Code of ethics is a written set of guidelines issued by an organization to its workers and management to help them conduct their actions in accordance with its primary values and ethical standards. However,there is limited information in Ethiopia on health providers‘ knowledge, attitude and practice towards codes of ethics. Objective: To assess knowledge of, andattitude toward, codes of ethics and associated factors among healthcare providers in Derashe special woreda public health facilities, southern Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 326 health professionals, who work in Derashe special woreda public health facilities from July to August, 2022.Simple random sampling technique was used and data collected using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to asses factors associated with outcome variables. Results:The study showed that 116 (35.6%) health professionalswere knowledgeable. Age (AOR 3.04, 95% CI 1.10–8.38), marital status (AOR 6.24, 95% CI 2.10–18.55) and onsite training on codes of ethics(AOR 3.39, 95% CI 1.89–6.08) were significantly associated with knowledge of codes of ethics. Of the total study participants, 124 (38%) health professionals ‗had favorable attitudes toward codes of ethics. Sex (AOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.33-4.58) level of education (AOR 2.44, 95% CI 1.31–4.55), knowledge (AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.42–4.68) and practice (AOR 5.24, 95% CI 2.87-9.57)were significantly associated with attitudes toward codes of ethics. Conclusion: A majority of health professionalswere poor knowledge about codes of ethics. Age, marital status, and onsite training toward codes of ethics were significantly associated with knowledge of codes of ethics. A significant proportion of health professionalshad unfavorable attitudes. Sex, level of education, and knowledge of codes of ethics were significantly associated with attitudes toward codes of ethics.