Evaluation of Utilization of Health Management Information System data for Evidence-Based Decision Making and its associated factors in selected public health institutions of Oromiya region, Ethiopia, 2017

Abstract

Background: Appropriate and timely use of health and health-related information is an essential element in the process of transforming the health sector. In Ethiopia, there is a limited culture of using information for decision-making. Only 37% of the facilities had exercised discussion and made decisions using findings from routine health information. Therefore, the objective of this evaluation was to assess the level of utilization of health management information system data for decision-making and to identify the factors that affect information use in the selected health institutions of Oromiya regional state health sector. Methods and Materials: The institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 53 randomly selected health institutions and 245 respondents which included heads of health institutions / units/departments from February 5 –March 03/2017. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected semi-structured questionnaires. Information utilization, Availability and compliance dimensions were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The logistic regression analysis was done for individual-level variables. The Description of data was made using tables, charts and graphs for quantitative data. Qualitative data were summarized. The study was conducted after getting approval from Jimma University Public Health Faculty. Result: Findings indicate that out of the number of monitoring and evaluation unit professional required per standard 88.6% were available. Fifty five percent of health institutions have electronic health management information system database. However, in this study, none of the institutions allocated budget for M&E unit from the government fund. Overall 52.8% of health institutions visited by immediate supervisor and out of them 78.6% of health institutions supervisors send feedback. Regarding Completeness of the report, 74.90% of the facilities were observed to be reporting to Administrative unit (woreda health office and zonal health office). Overall 64.3% of the health facilities met the reporting deadline. Based on the set criteria for HMIS data utilization, the overall utilization rate was found to be 49.1%. Among Administrative unit 61.5%, Health facility (Health center & hospitals) 62.5% and Health Post 18.8% were utilized data for decision-making. Based on the judgment criteria Information utilization, Availability and Compliance dimensions are 61.23%, 65.85% and 64.96% respectively. Overall evaluation of health information system at Oromiya regional state public health institution shows 63.74%, which categorized under fair judgment category. Conclusion and Recommendation: From the findings, it is concluded that utilization of health management information system data for decision-making was found to be comparable with health sector transformation plan two however; it is very low at health post levels. Overall evaluation of health management information system at Oromiya regional state public health institution shows inadequate which needs more leadership role. Emphasis should be given to monitoring and evaluation unit to have their own budget, Supportive supervision and technical assistance with periodic feedback should be delivered to monitor their progress towards the reformed health management information system.