Abstract
Background: Telemedicine use increased globally during COVID‑19 and is valuable in Lesotho’s rural and resource-limited settings. Yet, the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of health workers towards telemedicine in Lesotho remain poorly documented.
Aim: To determine health workers’ KAP towards telemedicine and factors associated with its use at QMMH, Maseru, Lesotho.
Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional study employed a non-probability convenience sampling approach. The hospital employed N = 563 staff; target sample n = 284 was determined at 95% confidence, 5% margin of error, with a 25% non-response contingency. 188 completed questionnaires were analyzed (66.2% response rate). KAP was measured using structured Likert items; Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Cronbach’s alpha validated composite indices. Telemedicine use was defined as reported clinical use at least once per week. Analyses used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression (binary outcome: use yes/no), with α = 0.05 and model-building steps including p<0.20 screening, VIF<5, backward elimination, and Hosmer–Lemeshow/AUC checks.
Results: Respondents were predominantly female (77.1%) and registered nurses (44.7%). Clinical telemedicine use was common, with landline (78.2%) and cellphone (72.9%) the most used devices. EFA supported unidimensional knowledge (α = 0.77), two-component attitudes, and two-component practices (α ≈ 0.71–0.73). In multivariable models, work experience and cadre were negatively associated with higher use/KAP; age and training interest were positive correlates.
Conclusion: Health workers reported moderate-to-high knowledge and moderately positive attitudes towards telemedicine, with frequent clinical use at QMMH. Targeted in-service training, device availability, and institutional protocols are recommended to strengthen safe, effective telemedicine practice.