Abstract:
Background: Health Information System (HIS) is integrates data collection, processing, reporting & use of information that are necessary for improving health service. Health Management Information System(HMIS) is a sub-system under HIS that is specially designed to assist the management and planning of health programs as opposed to the delivery of care and decentralized decision making and planning. However, decentralized information management is at its infancy stage in Ethiopia. Hence, to ensure the effective and efficient utilization of HMIS, periodic assessment becomes imperative. Objective: The study aims to assess the utilization of HMIS at P H C in A.A.C.A. Methodology: Institution based cross sectional quantitative and as a supplementary qualitative study design was conducted from April to October2011.A total sample size of 416 was calculated using single population proportion formula. Frequencies, proportion and summary statistics were used to describe the study population in relation to relevant variables. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were also carried out to see the association between each independent variable and dependent variable. Result: Four hundred sixteen health professionals’ respondents responded to the questionnaire with 98 % response rate. The current utilization rate of HMIS at health centers was about 41.7%. The total outcomes of the generated routine data were compiled using tally sheet, registers, and reports, and the combinations of these formats. The combined utilization of the mentioned formats constituted 199 (48.8%). Logistic regression result indicated that the provisions of technical supports, presence of computers, generated data at department level and practice of conversion of data into information enhanced the utilization of HMIS[AOR=1.69,95%CI:1.09-2.63],[AOR=2.08,95%CI:1.29-3.35] [AOR=2.78,95%CI:1.65-4.68],and[AOR=3.44,95%CI:(1.82-6.51)] respectively. Conclusion & recommendation: The utilization of HMIS at PHCs in A.A is still low. It is recommended that the staffs should get intensive training, feedback, and supervisory support to enhance their motivation and commitment.