Utilization of health management information systems for decision making among healthcare professionals in Ketu North Municipality, Ghana: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Introduction: Health Management Information System (HMIS) helps provide evidence-based decision-making, policy planning and adequate use of resources in the health system. The health system collects data but using it for decision making at the lower level remains a challenge. This study assessed the utilization of HMIS by sub-district health staff in Ketu North Municipality. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 219 health workers in six sub-municipalities using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 25 to determine association using Pearson Chi-square/Fisher´s exact test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with HMIS utilization. Results: healthcare workers who were given feedback on the data collected were 3.91 times likely to utilize HMIS for decision making compared to those who did not receive feedback (aOR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.63-9.38, p=0.002). Healthcare workers who had low knowledge on HMIS were 2.56 times more likely to utilize HMIS for decision making compared to those healthcare workers with high knowledge on HMIS (aOR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.04-6.31, p=0.041). Conclusion: the study revealed that healthcare professionals have limited knowledge on the use of HMIS. HMIS utilization was not affected by health facility type, employee category, or access to HMIS. Also, the study observed that health professionals who had access to feedback were more likely to utilize the information for decision-making purposes. Continuous training is recommended for healthcare staff to improve HMIS utilization.