Assessment of Utilization of Health Information at Woreda Level in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Health Information System in low income countries at all level has an important role to support Ministries of Health and other government agencies for informed decision making at all level. However, its utilization is a challenging task currently confronted by countries throughout the developing world in general and Ethiopia in particular .Moreover, there is no adequate information/research on the utilization of Health Information for decision making in East Wollega zone. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the utilization of health information at Woreda /district level in East Wollega Zone. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted in nine randomly selected woredas in east Wollega zone from March 1 to April 15, 2011. A total of 306 persons in charge of different units or departments were interviewed using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Nine WorHO head and 18 HCs case managers were also interviewed using interview guide. Result: The majority (197, 64.4%) of respondents were males; 109(35.6%) were females; 226(73.9%) of them were diploma level; 197(64.4%) had average monthly salary of 1233-2249 EB, majority 220(71.9%) had < 5 years of service experience. All of the respondent 100% had training on HMIS, only 36 (11.8%) had in service training. Based on the criteria about 140(45.8%) were not utilized HIS, 202 (66.0%) of them utilize HIS to prepare plan of action (for short term decision). The significant factors affecting utilization of Health Information on multiple logistic regression analysis were feed back from respective supervisor [AOR=14.5(6.9- 30.3)], types of the decision [AOR= 3.9(1.9-7.8)] and, type of the organization [AOR= 3.5(1.5- 8.1)]. The proportion quarterly completeness & timeliness of report were 86% and 89% respectively however data accuracy were not 100% maintained as per guideline. Furthermore in about 45.8% and 57.8% of the all units/department had the required registers and forms respectively Conclusion: The utilization rate of Health Information at Woreda level in east Wollega zone was found to be very low and training on HMIS was not adequate to implement the new system in line with HMIS standard. Efforts should be made by the Zonal health department to strengthen supportive supervision at all levels and ensure availability of standard reporting formats& registers and enhance staff in-service training and capacity building programs so as to maximize the utilization of Health Information.