Prevalence of the Need for Competency Development in Implementing the Digital Health Strategy and Associated Factors among Professional Nurses in Primary Health Care Service Networks, Kalasin Province

Abstract

socioeconomic, change management, digital intelligence, and social support from supervisors and colleagues, and the need for competency development in implementing digital health strategy among professional nurses in primary health care service networks in Kalasin Province with 277 professional nurses using structured questionnaire with overall reliability coefficient of 0.979. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that the prevalence of the need for competency development in implementing the digital health strategy among professional nurses was high (68.95% with 95%CI: 63.23-74.15). Significant associated factors included a high level of culture change management (AOR=3.26, 95%CI: 1.73-6.15, p<0.001), high digital intelligence in digital citizen Identity (AOR=2.44, 95%CI: 1.26-4.72, p=0.008), high ethical use of digital technology (AOR=3.77, 95%CI: 1.84-7.74, p<0.001), and high resource-related social support from supervisors and colleagues (AOR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.03-3.93, p=0.040). The findings highlights the importance in enhancing the competencies of professional nurses in primary health care networks that requires fostering an organizational culture that embraced change, strengthening digital skills, and ensuring adequate resource support. Such integrated efforts are essential for improving workforce readiness and promoting effective and sustainable implementation of the digital health strategy.