Utilization of Health Management Information System and Associated Factors in Hadiya Zone Health Centers, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Health Information systems are increasingly important for measuring and improving the quality and coverage of health services. Reliable and timely health information is vital for operational and strategic decision making that save lives and enhances health. In Ethiopia information quality and use remain weak, particularly at district health offices and primary health care facilities to facilitate decision making. Therefore this study will be designed to greatly signal the current status of Health Management Information System (HMIS) in study area.

Objective: To assess the utilization of health management information systems and associated factors at health centers in Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2014.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in health institutions by interviewing units/departments of health centers from April to June, 2014. Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires, check lists, observation and interview guide by trained data collectors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and descriptive and logistic regression analysis was carried out.

Results: The finding of the study revealed that utilization of health management information was 242(69.3%) in all the study units/departments of health centers. Health center units/department had key indicators (AOR=3.67; 95%CI: 2.11, 6.39), completeness of data format (AOR=3.42; 95%CI: 1.65, 7.08), consistency of data (AOR=1.91; 95%CI: 1.05, 3.48) were found to be significantly associated with utilization of health information system at 95% level of significance.

Conclusion: Health center units/departments had key indicators, completeness of data and consistency of data were predictors of utilization of health management information system. Therefore, in-service training and updating of staff involved in Health Management Information System (HMIS) at district, strengthening health information system inputs, timely and concrete feedbacks with establishment of functional Health Management Information System (HMIS).