Health Infrastructural Correlates and Data Quality in Primary Health Care-Health Management Information System in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: Data management in health systems in developing countries remains very challenging despite its immense potential benefits to health system strengthening and development. This study aims to assess data quality of primary health care- health management information systems (PHC-NHMIS) and health infrastructure available at the PHC facilities in Edo State to aid PHC-NHMIS Data management and improve performance, effectiveness and efficiency. Study Design: descriptive cross sectional analytical. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in selected Primary Health Care facilities in Edo State, Nigeria between September 2013 and December 2014. Methodology: A qualitative assessment of selected health facilities was conducted using appropriate tools to assess quality of data and facility readiness for PHC-NHMIS in Edo State.Focus group discussion guide and observational checklist were utilized for this assessment in line with study objective. The notes and recordings were transcribed using thematic analysis to identify recurrent themes of barriers to the quality of data collected. Results: Twelve and thirty-five PHC facilities were selected by simple random sampling and audited for data quality and functionality of available health infrastructure respectively. Focus group sessions revealed inadequate training, poor supervision and inadequate funding of the HMIS. The overall verification factor (data accuracy) was 58.9% (Major data quality issues) for pentavalent vaccination, 76.1% (minor data quality issues) for antenatal care and 63.8% (Major data quality issues) for institutional birth. In terms of health facility readiness, none of the facilities had internet connectivity and budget specific for NHMIS, 80% of the health facilities assessed were not operationally ready for NHMIS activities. Conclusion: Majority of the health facilities studied had poor operational readiness for NHMIS pentavalent vaccination activities with major data quality issues for and institutional births. There is need for relevant stakeholders especially Government to strengthen operational readiness for PHC-HMIS through appropriate resource mobilization and training for better and effective data quality management and response.