Examination of Determinants of Health Information Utilization in Making Decision among Healthcare Managers in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

Information use is paramount for effectively managing today’s health systems. Health information has been underutilized hence important decisions related to healthcare mostly rely on other factors other than Routine Health Information Systems. The study was based on the Health Information Systems pillar. The general objective was to examine determinants of health information utilization in making decisions among healthcare managers in Mombasa County. The study had four specific objectives including, to assess technical factors; examine organizational factors; investigate factors related to behavior and to explore factors related to data quality which influence health information utilization in making decisions among healthcare managers in Mombasa County. The study was anchored on the theory of Evidence Based Health Information System. Target population was 303 healthcare managers in public healthcare facilities in Mombasa County. Data was collected from a sample of 91 healthcare managers in Mombasa County. Data was collected using a Semi-structured questionnaire. Observation augmented data collection for dependent variable. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows Version 23. Descriptive statistics was conducted to summarize the results of the study and inferential analysis at a level of significance of p<0.05 was performed to explain the influence of independent variables on dependent variable. Results were presented using tables, charts and graphs, followed by interpretations and discussions. The results revealed that technical factors (β1 = 0.151; t = 3.428; p < 0.01), organizational factors (β2 = 0.233; t = 4.552; p < 0.01) and data quality factors (β4 = 0.298; t = 4.079; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of health information utilization in making decisions among healthcare managers in Mombasa County. However, factors related to behavior (β3 = -0.094; t = -1.527; p > 0.05) was not significant in predicting health information utilization in making decisions among healthcare managers in Mombasa County. The MOH and Mombasa County Government to conduct regular training on HMIS to enhance managers’ skills on HIS. This will also enhance quality of health information generated. The MOH should put more emphasis on HMIS as a subject in the pre-service curriculum for all healthcare cadres; The MOH and Mombasa County Government should allocate more resources for effective implementation of HIS. The study suggests that other studies should be conducted to focus on other factors influencing health information utilization in making decisions.