Abstract:
Background: Utilizing strategically designed health learning materials'(HLMs) are one of the
useful critical strategies in COVID-19 risk communication and community engagement (RCCE).
However, HLMs' perceived quality, usefulness and utilization is unknown in most countries.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess HLMs' perceived quality, usefulness, and utilization for
COVID-19 RCCE among health workers Arsi Zone, Ethiopia, in 2021.
Methods: A facility based mixed-method study was conducted between May 15 and June 15,
2021. Five hundred thirty study participants by multi stage random sampling and fourteen
in-depth/key informants by purposive sampling technique was participated for quantitative and
qualitative study respectively. Data was collected through structured questionnaire and interview
guides. The quantitative data was entered into Epi-data manager version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed with
SPSS version 25. Descriptive analysis and regression analysis were executed to describe the
findings and identify predictors of HLMs utilization. Qualitative data was thematized into three
major thematic areas and five sub-themes.
Results: This study showed the HLMs utilization for COVID-19 RCCE was 60.4% with 95%CI
(56.2-64.6). Health education course (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.26-5.28, PV<0.001) and training of
COVID-19 RCCE (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.07-4.17, PV<0.001). Perceived HLMs comprehension
(AOR:1.08,95%CI:1.05-1.11, PV:0.001), acceptance (AOR:1.02,95%CI: 1.0-1.05,PV:0.023), and
building trust(AOR:1.04, 95% CI:1.01-1.06, PV:0.007) of HLMs on COVID-19 RCCE were
identified as independent predictors of HLMs utilization COVID-19 for RCCE. A qualitative
study also explored several barriers and facilitators regarding HLMs utilization for COVID-19
RCCE and HLMs production process for COVID-19 RCCE in Arsi Zone.
Conclusion: Unfortunate perceived quality, usefulness are predictors of HLMs utilization for
COVID-19 RCCE. The qualitative study identifies lack of appropriate HLMs, un availability of
HLMs, and shortage of mixed type of HLMs materials were factors affecting HLMs utilization for
COVID-19 RCCE. Therefore, It needs health facility training and stakeholders' participation to
produce mix of quality and acceptable HLMs for COVID-19 RCCE. HLMs production should
based up on evidence-based theory, research driven, comprehensive, and acceptable to target
audience, so that it can build trust and credibility for successful COVID-19 RCCE
