Utilization of health management information system and associated factors in health institutions of kembata tembaro zone, southern ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Health Management Information System (HMIS) is one of the six building blocks of a health system designed to provide important data for continuous quality improvement at all levels of health care administration. It is a major source of information for monitoring and adjusting policy implementation and resources use. Study conducted in East Gojjam showed that 45.8% of the health workers had a good level of routine health information utilization. To ensure the effective and efficient utilization of a system, periodic assessment is necessary in each level of health sector. Considerable study has been conducted in health data collection and ways to improve data quality, but little is known about utilization of HMIS in health services organization. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the utilization of HMIS and associated factors in the study area.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed in public health institutions of Kembata Tembaro zone from March 1 to 30, 2018. The sample size was calculated using single population proportion formula and a total of 317 heads of units/departments of woreda health offices and health facilities were included. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, observational check-lists and interview guide by trained data collectors. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed using Enter method to identify factors independently associated with dependent variable. Statistical significant variables were declared at P-value less than 0.05 and Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used for data interpretation.

Result: In this study, over all data utilization was 131 (41.59%) with 95% CI of 38.9-46.1%. The data utilization was found to be 98 (38.73%) and 33 (53.23%) in the health facilities and health offices respectively. Training for HMIS [AOR (95% CI) = 3.06 (2.15-6.75)], availability of procedure manuals [AOR (95% CI) = 3.67 (1.78-9.01)], and Supportive supervision [AOR (95% CI) = 5.30 (3.05-11.53)] were found to be significant with HMIS utilization.

Conclusion: Utilization of HMIS in public health institution was lower compared to previous studies. HMIS training, Supportive supervision and Availability of procedure manuals were positively associated with utilization of HMIS. Health facilities and offices should avail HMIS manuals and capacity building of health workers through training and supportive supervision was recommended.