Factors influencing quality of health management information system (HMIS) data: The case of Kinondoni district in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania

Objective: A study was done in Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania, to quality of data collected through the HMIS and explore possible factors. Method: Using a structured questionnaire, health in-charges were interviewed. Attributes of data quality were from health facility data using an observation schedule. A of 69 health facilities were involved in the study including all (21) public health facilities and 25% (41/164) private facilities. rate of health facility data was used as a proxy for quality of data. Results: Although knowledge on HMIS basic was found to be associated with improved quality of data, in HMIS did not seem to correspond with improved quality of. Regardless of duration, supervision had no relationship with of data thus raising serious doubts on its quality. Presence of focal person, responsible for day to day HMIS activities, had a influence on the quality of data where facilities with a focal had a higher data completion rate (69. 9%) compared to those (44. 7%). Accountability as measured by queries reportedly made Municipal authorities on data inaccuracies was associated with quality of data. However, queries on delay in sending report had influence in quality of data. Conclusion: The study concludes that, followed by supervision in HMIS, did not result into a improvement of the quality of HMIS. There is need to-examine the current approaches used in training and supervision to on actual needs of health workers. As a long- term goal, creation demand for processed data will serve to enhance ownership of the by health workers, hence improve data quality