Routine Health Information System Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Healthcare Professionals in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. A routine health information system (RHIS) is a system that records, stores, and processes health data in order to enhance healthcare decision-making. However, systematic use of health information is still not used for program decisions in developing nations, particularly in Ethiopia. Objective. Identifying regular utilization of health information systems and related factors among healthcare workers in Debre Berhan Town health facilities, North Shoa, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 22 to September 22, 2022 in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia. Data from participants were gathered using a self-administered, pretested structured questionnaire by employing a systematic random sample technique among healthcare workers at public health facilities. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS. We employed multivariable logistic regression and descriptive statistics. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant factors. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit was used to check the adequacy of the model. Result. A total of 383 workers were study participants with 100% response rate. The mean age was 32 (±5.23). Utilization of routine health information among health professionals was 42.6%. Type of institution (AOR = 0.56), complexity of RHIS) (AOR = 2.19), training on HMIS (AOR = 9.35), and feeling guilty of not accomplishing their performance (AOR = 2.96) were found significantly associated with routine health information utilization (RHIU). Conclusion. Utilization of RHIS among the health professionals was low. Type of institution, complexity of RHIS, data management skills, training on HMIS, and feeling guilty of not accomplishing their target performance were factors related to RHIS utilization. Comprehensive training and improve data management skills are highly recommended for improving RHIU.