Generating statistics from health facility data: the state of routine health information systems in Eastern and Southern Africa. Issue 5 (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maïga, Abdoulaye; Jiwani, Safia S; Mutua, Martin Kavao; Porth, Tyler Andrew; Taylor, Chelsea Maria; Asiki, Gershim; Melesse, Dessalegn Y; Day, Candy; Strong, Kathleen L; Faye, Cheikh Mbacké; Viswanathan, Kavitha; O'Neill, Kathryn Patricia; Amouzou, Agbessi; Pond, Bob S; Boerma, Ties
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Ntibazomumpa Jean Marie author non-byline.; Nibogora Joël author non-byline.; Niyongabo Prosper author non-byline.; Kifle Amanuel author non-byline.; Mamba Sibusiso Charles author non-byline.; Ayele Wubegzier Mekonnen author non-byline.; Malembaka Espoir Bwenge author non-byline.; Banywesize Robert author non-byline.; Khasakhala Anne author non-byline.; Ngugi Anthony author non-byline.; Kiarie Helen author non-byline.; Makory Valeria author non-byline.; Cosmas Leonard author non-byline.; Rantsatsi Lebohang author non-byline.; Yosefe Simeon author non-byline.; Chanansi Golden author non-byline.; Chavula Kondwani author non-byline.; Malata Monica Patricia author non-byline.; Augusto Gerito author non-byline.; Tivane Cesarino author non-byline.; Barrula Catarina author non-byline.; Muianga Cláudio author non-byline.; Muyenga Ezekiel author non-byline.; Shiindi Matheus author non-byline.; Mukashema Pacifique author non-byline.; Emmanuel Ntawuyirusha author non-byline.; Maposa Innocent author non-byline.; Mothupi Mamothena Carol author non-byline.; Mayai Augustino Ting author non-byline.; Misaka Victor author non-byline.; Ladu Edward author non-byline.; Shabani Josephine author non-byline.; Mongi Dhamira author non-byline.; Jackson Prisca author non-byline.; Lenga David Edward author non-byline.; Simba Daudi author non-byline.; Agiraembabazi Geraldine author non-byline.; Mubiri Paul author non-byline.; Ogwal Jimmy author non-byline.; Bwoye Stephen Akena author non-byline.; Mwauluka Elizabeth author non-byline.; Jojo Mbonyiwe author non-byline.; Jacobs Choolwe author non-byline.; Kangwende Rugare Abigail author non-byline.; Machacha Lloyd author non-byline.; Chikwasha Vasco author non-byline.; Molefi Mooketsi M author non-byline.; Letebele Judith author non-byline.; Sitibi Balekane author non-byline.;
• Is Part Of: BMJ global health. Volume 4:Issue 5(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: routine health information systems -- data quality assessment -- DHIS2 -- Eastern and Southern Africa; World health -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-7908

Abstract

Abstract : Health facility data are a critical source of local and continuous health statistics. Countries have introduced web-based information systems that facilitate data management, analysis, use and visualisation of health facility data. Working with teams of Ministry of Health and country public health institutions analysts from 14 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, we explored data quality using national-level and subnational-level (mostly district) data for the period 2013–2017. The focus was on endline analysis where reported health facility and other data are compiled, assessed and adjusted for data quality, primarily to inform planning and assessments of progress and performance. The analyses showed that although completeness of reporting was generally high, there were persistent data quality issues that were common across the 14 countries, especially at the subnational level. These included the presence of extreme outliers, lack of consistency of the reported data over time and between indicators (such as vaccination and antenatal care), and challenges related to projected target populations, which are used as denominators in the computation of coverage statistics. Continuous efforts to improve recording and reporting of events by health facilities, systematic examination and reporting of data quality issues, feedback and communication mechanisms between programme managers, care providers and data officers, and transparent corrections and adjustments will be critical to improve the quality of health statistics generated from health facility data.