Health Management Information System Data Quality, Utilization and Associated Factors at Governmental Hospitals and Public Health Management System in Sidama Regional State

Abstract

Background: A health information system is a tool used to gather, organize, transmit, analyze, store, and utilize health system data to help decision-makers and stakeholders allocate resources at every level of the healthcare system. Health information system activities are not well integrated at the district and facility levels, where the majority of the data is being generated. Objective: the aim of this study was to assess the utilization of the health information system data, its quality and influencing factors in the public health facilities residing in Sidama regional state. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study using a mixed (quantitative and qualitative) approach was conducted. The sample size for quantitative data estimated was 422, and two months' documents were checked for accuracy and completeness for data quality. Twenty-five Key informants for qualitative data were chosen purposively. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.  The variables having a p-value of less than 0.25 were added to the multivariable analysis using binary logistic regression. Lastly, variables with p-value of less than 0.05 at the multivariable analysis were taken as significant. Manual transcription, coding, and thematic analysis of qualitative data were done.

Result: out of 422 participants 407 healthcare professionals responded, 96.5% response rate. Majority 288 (69.5%) were younger age less than 30 years old, 173(42.5%) were male, 331 (81.3%) were degree holders, 219 (53.8%) married, 221(54.3%) were protestant. More than half (52.1%) had poor utilization of HMIS data for decision-making. participant’s knowledge on HMIS, the extent of participant confidence to complete HMIS tasks, and the level of management support for staff were found  to be significantly associated with utilization of HMIS data to the evidence based decision making for health care. Through qualitative study we identified five themes. These included Theme 1: awareness, knowledge and expertise gap on HMIS, Theme 2:  Perception on Significance of HMIS data, Theme 3: data quality and information use challenges, fourth theme: Facilitator characteristics and Theme five: perceptions on data quality and usage.

Keywords: Health information system, Data quality, Health management information system

DOI: 10.7176/IKM/13-1-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2023