Determinants of routine health information utilization at primary healthcare facilities in Western Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Evidence based practice is a key tool to increase effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare providers worldwide. Even if using health facility data at all levels is vital, it is poorly practiced in developing countries. This study was aimed at assessing routine health information utilization and its determinants among health centres in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2016 among 250 health centre and department/unit heads. Data collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist were analysed by SPSS version 20. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinant factors. Results: The majority (80%) of the respondents were males, and 54% of them were in the ≤30 years age group. Of all 250 study participants, only 96 (38.4%) routinely used facility health information for two or more purposes in addition to reporting duties; 50 (52%) to develop plan, 23 (24%) for feedback, 17 (18%) for patient management, and 6 (6%) to conduct research. Residence, data management knowledge, work load, computer skill, computer access, supportive supervision, HMIS training, and availability of HMIS guideline and formats were important factors affecting health information utilization. Conclusions: In this study, the overall health information utilization of health centres was low compared to previous studies. Personal factors (skills, knowledge, workload, residence), and organizational (access to raining, computer, HMIS formats, guidelines, supervision) were determinants of health information utilization. Improving computer access, data management inputs, training and supportive supervision are crucial to solve the problem.

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