FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE UTILIZATION OF HEALTH INFORMATICS SYSTEMS IN THE SAGNERIGU MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

Background: Health Informatics Systems (HIS) are crucial globally for enhancing healthcare quality and service coverage. They provide essential data for vital decision making in healthcare, impacting both operations and strategy. Despite their importance, Ghana faces challenges with HIS quality and usage, especially at district health offices and facilities. This affects effective decision-making in healthcare. Aim: The study assessed factors associated with the utilization of Health Informatics Systems (HIS) among healthcare providers in Sagnerigu Municipality health facilities. Specifically, the study assessed the demographic, personal, institutional, and technical factors affecting HIS utilization. Methodology: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in health facilities under Sagnerigu Municipality. A total of 249 healthcare providers were selected from the health facilities using multiple sampling techniques. The data was collected using a standard structured and self-administered questionnaire built in Kobo Collect. The data was cleaned in excel and exported into SPSS version 26 for further statistical analysis. Chi square test of independence and binary logistics regression were used to establish factors associated with HIS utilization. Results: Out of the 249 respondents, overall utilization of HIS was low (59.44%, n=148). Qualification (χ2=15.687, P<0.001), Sub-municipality (χ2=35.706, P<0.001), and Facility work experience (χ2=20.207, P<0.001) were the demographic factors found to be statistically significantly associated with utilization of HIS. [Personal factors such as confidence in HIS usage(χ² = 30.165, p < 0.001), regular update of HIS skills(χ² = 7.633, p = 0.006), Computer competence((χ² = 8.766, p = 0.003), with an overall (χ2=15.480, P<0.001, AOR=0.046[0.008 – 0.1731]) were found to be statistically significant. Institutional factors such as HIS training(χ2=9.567, p=0.002), Communication(χ2=4.567, p=0.033), adequate resourses(χ2=62.461, p<0.001), provision of incentives(χ2=0.133, p=0.715) with an overall (χ2=72.756, P<0.001, OR=0.518, 95%CI [0.4048 – 0.6322]) were found to be statistically significant, technical factors such as reliability((χ2=30.461, p<0.001), software easy to navigate((χ2=33.489, p<0.001) and compartbility on other devices(χ2=16.813, p<0.001) with an oveall (χ2=72.756, P<0.001, OR=0.281,95%CI [0.261 – 0.312]) were all found to statistically significant. Healthcare provide who agreed that these factors exisit reported low HIS utilization. Conclusion: In conclusion, the critical role of personal, technical, and institutional factors in influencing the utilization of Health Informatics Systems (HIS) was revealed. Higher education, leadership support, system reliability, and adequate training significantly contribute to increased HIS usage. It is recommended that healthcare facilities invest in continuous training, strengthen leadership support, and improve technical infrastructure to enhance HIS adoption and efficiency.