Evaluation of Health Management Information System data quality and information use; in case of HIV/AIDS program in Jimma town public health facilities, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Poor data quality is a critical challenge to meet the global and national health goals since performance of the health system cannot be adequately monitored. Despite significant investments, HIV/AIDS program data quality remains challenging in developing countries including Ethiopia to make informed decision. Objective: To evaluate health management information system data quality and information use in case of HIV/AIDS program in Jimma town public health facilities, South West Ethiopia, 2022. Method: Facility based case study design was employed from June 22 to July 06/2022 at five public health facilities providing Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Jimma town. Randomly selected 234 patient charts, ART registration, resources and 17 key informants were included in the study. Mobile based data collection method was employed. Collected data were exported into statistical package for social science version 26 for descriptive analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed manually and the finding was presented by triangulating with quantitative results. Finally, resource availability, data quality and information use were analyzed separately and judged as Very Good if scored ≥85%, Good if 70% – 84%, Fair if 55% – 69% and Critical if <55%. Results: The overall resource availability, data quality and information use were 75.1%, 77.2% and 70.4% respectively. None of the providers working on Voluntary Counselling and testing service were trained on data quality. Moreover, there was a lack of SmartCare, internet and printers in some health facilities. Report timeliness, data completeness and data consistency were 46.7%, 91.1% and 84.2% respectively. Consistency of HIV test report between different service delivery points was 66.67%. Performance monitoring team meetings were not conducted monthly and some facilities didn’t use the standard performance monitoring team logbook. Conclusion and Recommendation The overall level of resource availability, data quality and information use were judged as good for each. However, report timeliness, data consistency and information use was below recommended national standards. Data quality related training should be provided for health care provides. SmartCare, internet, printers and guidelines should be supplied for health facilities.