Awareness and Utilization of Online Medical Resources Awareness and Utilization of Online Medical Resources among Medical Practitioners at Port Sudan Teaching Hospital, Sudan, 2025

Abstract

Background: Online medical resources (OMRs) constitute a critical component of global clinical decision-making. However, their utilization and awareness in low-resource settings have not been adequately studied. 

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2025 among 174 healthcare professionals at Port Sudan Teaching Hospital. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics summarized awareness and utilization patterns. Associations were tested using Chi-square, and logistic regression calculated predictors of awareness with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)

Results: Overall awareness was high (90%), with Medscape (70%) and UpToDate (40%) being the most recognized tools. Free sources like PubMed (30%) and Google Scholar (20%) were most frequently used. The frequency of use was distributed as follows: 19% daily, 35% weekly, 17% monthly, 19% seldom, and 10% never. Poor internet connection (55%), no training (78%), and subscription fees (22%) were the obstacles. Logistic regression showed that awareness was significantly associated with professional role (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.5) and department (OR= 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-3.0).

Conclusion: Awareness of online resources among practitioners was high, with junior doctors demonstrating greater usage. However, the actual utilization was moderate. Systemic barriers including limited connectivity and inadequate training, were major impediments. Strengthening Institutional support and capacity-building initiatives could enhance the integration of OMRs into routine clinical practice.

Keywords: online resources, awareness, utilization, medical practitioners, Sudan