Abstract:
Background: Utilization of community health information system is a set of procedures for
collecting, processing, record keeping, using and communicating health care data. Effective
utilization of information at all levels of the health system is important for evidence based
decisions. However, utilization of community health information system in most developing
countries is inefficient, poor in quality, which hinders optimal health system performance.
Objective: To assess utilization status of community health information systems and associated
factors among health extension workers in Horo Guduru Wellega Zone, Western Ethiopia, 2022
Methods; Facility based cross-sectional quantitative study and as a supplementary qualitative
study was conducted from August to September 25/2022. Simple random sampling technique
was used to select 264 health extension workers. The data was collected with structured self
administer questionnaire, Semi structured in-depth interview guide was used to collect
qualitative data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using
SPSS version 25.0. P-value <0.05 was used to declare statistically significant variables. For
qualitative data thematic analysis was performed.
Results: Of the total 264 HEWs, 260 were responded to interview questions with a response rate
of 98.5%. About 43.5% respondents had good utilization of CHIS. Having home located inside
the compound of the health post (AOR=1.8, 95% CI=1.0-3.1),having good knowledge about
utilization of CHIS (AOR=2.5, 95% CI=1.2-5.0), availability of reporting format (AOR=1.8,
95% CI= 1.0-3.2), availability of reference materials (AOR=2.9, 95% CI= 1.2-6.8), complexity of
report forms (AOR=1.9, 95% CI= 1.01 – 3.6) were significant of good utilization status of CHIS.
Similarly in-depth interview in line with, having home inside the HP, complexity of report forms
,availability of reporting format , availability of reference materials and knowledge are factors
that influence utilization status of CHIS.
Conclusion: The overall utilization status of CHIS was poor. Factors for utilization status of
CHIS were personal, organizational and technical related .Addressing knowledge gap through
training, accessing home in the HP, reference materials and design easily understandable
reporting format are needed to improve utilization status of CHIS
