JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Tanzania introduced DHIS2 in 2013 to support the already existing HMIS which was largely paper-based aiming at improving data quality and use. To achieve these objectives, building human resources was imperative in the face of new technologies.

Objective:

This study sought to determine the perceived usefulness of DHIS2 among district health managers and their competency in using it and the generated data.

Methods:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study employing a quantitative approach using a self-administered online questionnaire. The study included all core and co-opted members of the district health management team from all the districts in the country. Frequency and bivariate analyses were conducted and the differences between categories were measured using chi-square. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results:

Overall, district health managers were satisfied with DHIS2 (80%) because of work-load reduction (82%) and easy to learn (83%), and enhances data use (86%). Although only half of the managers had user accounts (53%) and were trained on DHIS2 (48%) majority of them claimed to have an average of advanced skills in data validation (70%); produce visualization (61%); and use DHIS2 data (>60%). The biggest challenges facing health managers included using a paper-based system as a primary data source (73%) and internet slowness (60%). Whereas core members were more confident in using DHIS2 compared other members; programme coordinators were found to receive more training on data analysis and use; and more confident in using DHIS2 data compared to other CHMT members.

Conclusions:

This study has shown that district health managers have appreciable competencies in using DHIS2 and its data. However, their level of skills is incommensurate with duration since commencement. This study recommends improvement of access to and use of DHIS2 data.