Awareness, attitudes and knowledge of evidence-based medicine: A cross-sectional baseline survey among academic healthcare practitioners in Namibia

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the awareness, attitudes and knowledge of  evidence-based medicine (EBM) among academics in higher education institutions in Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Botswana. Data were collected using a convenient sampling technique and analyzed by SPSS. Thirty-eight academics completed an  anonymous questionnaire. Most (76%) of the respondents were aware of the Cochrane Collaboration and 97% have heard about EBM, of whom 89% perceived its benefits.  Yet, 74% lacked high level of EBM knowledge, 76% had no formal EBM training and  92% were unfamiliar with the Cochrane library. Motivation to attend EBM training was  high among the respondents. Our results highlight the inadequacy of EBM knowledge and training among academics. There is a need to train academics in EBM in order to improve the practice of EBM in teaching.

Keywords: Academic, evidence-based medicine, knowledge, attitude, Cochrane Library, Namibia.