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Psychiatria Danubina, Vol. 33 No. suppl 13, 2021.

Short communication, Note

ATTITUDES TOWARDS EHEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: UNTANGLING THE GORDIAN KNOT IN GREECE, BULGARIA AND ROMANIA IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS?

Vaitsa Giannouli ; School of Psychology, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, Greece
Stanislava Stoyanova ; Department of Psychology, South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Marius Drugas ; Department of Psychology, University of Oradea, Oradea,Romania
Desislava Ivanova ; Department of Psychology, South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

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Abstract

Background: Until recent times, healthcare specialists lagged behind other fields in terms of computer networks and software
usage, partly because they were uncomfortable with information and communication technologies. The rapid development of
personal wearables, their easier connections with smartphones and other similar devices, and the possibilities of online or cloud
storage of personal medical data led to improvements of eHealth services in terms of ease of access and reduced costs of delivery.
Subjects and methods: The current research aimed to fill a research gap regarding attitudes towards eHealth during the
COVID-19 pandemic in three Balkan countries: Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. A total number of 775 adult participants
(healthcare professionals and students in the field) were contacted in the winter of 2020 and asked to complete a questionnaire
regarding their eHealth attitudes.
Results: The Greek participants had the most negative attitudes toward eHealth services. This may be due to forced use of
eHealth applications during the pandemic crisis and the need for mastering the necessary technical skills to use them.
Conclusions: It should be noted that in the scientific literature no research is found on this topic, therefore it is the first study
aimed to assessing and comparing attitudes towards eHealth in these countries.

Keywords

attitudes towards eHealth services; Balkan region; COVID-19 pandemic

Hrčak ID:

272993

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/272993

Publication date:

8.2.2022.

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