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Behavioral factors affecting data quality and information utilization in health facilities in ethiopia, 2023: an exploratory qualitative study

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Title: Behavioral factors affecting data quality and information utilization in health facilities in ethiopia, 2023: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Getasew Amare, Meaza Gezu Shentema, Firanbon Teshome, Yordanose Tadesse, Daniel Birhane Enyew, Desalegn Tsegaw, Tajebew Zayede, Berhanu Fikadie Endehabtu, Amare Minyihun, Biniyam Tilahun, Muluemebet Abera Wordofa, Nigusu Getachew, Dawit Wolde Daka, Ketema Lema, Mengistu Yilma, Awugichew Kiflie, Girma Taye, Tilahun Shiferaw, Addisu Birhanu, Mentesenot Seid, Zewdu Alemu, Keneni Gutema Negeri, Alemu Tamiso Debiso, Sisay Yitayih Kassie, Netsanet Abera, Gizachew Robe Ware, Henok Fiseha, Mulugojam Asmare, Mohammed Harir, Manja Yuala, Yakob Wondarad, Tamirat Awel, Mesoud Mohammed, Ariam Hailemariam, Nebiyu Yetsedaw, Akinyi Odera, Melaku Muleta
Source: Archives of Public Health, Vol 83, Iss 1, Pp 1-14 (2025)
Publisher Information: BMC, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Public aspects of medicine
Subject Terms: Behavioural factors, Health information system, Data quality and use, Health centers, Ethiopia, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270
Description: Abstract Background A well-functioning Health Information System (HIS) is essential for evidence-based decision-making and improved health outcomes. In Ethiopia, the government’s Information Revolution (IR) initiative, supported by programs like the Capacity Building and Mentorship Program (CBMP), aims to strengthen HIS performance by enhancing data quality and use. Despite progress, the behavioural factors influencing data quality and use remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate behavioural barriers and enablers affecting data quality and information use in health facilities across Ethiopia. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in CBMP-supported health centers across four regions (Sidama, Amhara, Oromia, and Somali) and one city administration (Addis Ababa). Key informants included health service providers, Health Management Information System (HMIS) focal persons, facility heads, and case team leaders. Using semi-structured guides, data were collected through 43 key informant interviews and 15 focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti version 7.5 16. Results The study identified seven key behavioural themes influencing data quality and use: perceived data value, self-efficacy, motivation and commitment, competing priorities, teamwork, protocol adherence, and leadership/governance. While some providers appreciated the value of data in improving service delivery, others deprioritised it due to clinical demands. Self-efficacy was often limited by insufficient training and technical skill gaps. Motivation was negatively impacted by poor recognition and weak support systems. Clinical workloads and cognitive burden further reduced attention to data tasks. Although team collaboration existed, peer learning was limited and sometimes resisted. Adherence to data protocols such as the ESV-ICD-11 and PMT logbooks was inconsistent. Leadership support, role clarity, and accountability mechanisms were found to be weak, affecting overall HIS performance. Conclusions Behavioural factors, including inconsistent data valuation, low motivation, poor self-efficacy, limited peer collaboration, and weak leadership, are significant barriers to effective HIS practices in Ethiopia. Addressing these challenges will require integrated solutions: digital learning tools like Telegram-based bots to build skills, PMT optimisation strategies, and stronger leadership and accountability frameworks. These combined interventions can improve data quality, support evidence-informed decisions, and strengthen Ethiopia’s primary healthcare system.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2049-3258
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2049-3258
DOI: 10.1186/s13690-025-01715-z
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/59e2cecf29fd4c60baf80f4e4ffa828c
Accession Number: edsdoj.59e2cecf29fd4c60baf80f4e4ffa828c
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:Abstract Background A well-functioning Health Information System (HIS) is essential for evidence-based decision-making and improved health outcomes. In Ethiopia, the government’s Information Revolution (IR) initiative, supported by programs like the Capacity Building and Mentorship Program (CBMP), aims to strengthen HIS performance by enhancing data quality and use. Despite progress, the behavioural factors influencing data quality and use remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate behavioural barriers and enablers affecting data quality and information use in health facilities across Ethiopia. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in CBMP-supported health centers across four regions (Sidama, Amhara, Oromia, and Somali) and one city administration (Addis Ababa). Key informants included health service providers, Health Management Information System (HMIS) focal persons, facility heads, and case team leaders. Using semi-structured guides, data were collected through 43 key informant interviews and 15 focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti version 7.5 16. Results The study identified seven key behavioural themes influencing data quality and use: perceived data value, self-efficacy, motivation and commitment, competing priorities, teamwork, protocol adherence, and leadership/governance. While some providers appreciated the value of data in improving service delivery, others deprioritised it due to clinical demands. Self-efficacy was often limited by insufficient training and technical skill gaps. Motivation was negatively impacted by poor recognition and weak support systems. Clinical workloads and cognitive burden further reduced attention to data tasks. Although team collaboration existed, peer learning was limited and sometimes resisted. Adherence to data protocols such as the ESV-ICD-11 and PMT logbooks was inconsistent. Leadership support, role clarity, and accountability mechanisms were found to be weak, affecting overall HIS performance. Conclusions Behavioural factors, including inconsistent data valuation, low motivation, poor self-efficacy, limited peer collaboration, and weak leadership, are significant barriers to effective HIS practices in Ethiopia. Addressing these challenges will require integrated solutions: digital learning tools like Telegram-based bots to build skills, PMT optimisation strategies, and stronger leadership and accountability frameworks. These combined interventions can improve data quality, support evidence-informed decisions, and strengthen Ethiopia’s primary healthcare system.
ISSN:20493258
DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01715-z