Health data management practice and associated factors among health professionals in public health hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Poor health data management methods significantly impact the healthcare system, population health, and the information revolution. In underdeveloped nations, poor data quality, insufficient analysis, and heavy workloads hinder decision-making. Objective: This study aims to evaluate health data management practices and related factors among health professionals in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2025 Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa from February 1 to 30, 2025, involving 626 health professionals in a public hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The sample was selected using simple random sampling methods and their identification card (ID) number sequence was used as a sampling frame for each hospital. A pretested and validated tool was used to collect data using Google forms and analysis was done using STATA version 14. Descriptive analysis was conducted. The study identified significant variables with p-values less than 0.25 for candidate variables and backward stepwise logistic regression for independent predictors. Results: A total of 609 health professionals participated in the study. About 49.92% (95% CI = 45.93, 53.90)) of the participants had good data management. In the study, receiving training (AOR =1.85; 95% CI (1.19, 2.88)), positive attitude towards data management practices (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI (1.09, 2.35), getting feedback (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI (1.03, 5.28)), easy access to a registration book (AOR =3.06; 95% CI (1.46, 6.42)), easy access to a reporting format (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI (1.03, 5.28)), access to references (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI (1.64, 3.90)) and clearly understanding of the registration book (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI (1.49, 4.80)) were positively and significantly associated with good health data management practice Conclusion and recommendation: Health data management practices of health professionals were found to be inadequate. Factors such as training, positive attitude, feedback, availability of resources, access to references, and clear understanding of the registration book significantly contribute to good health data management practice. Recommendations include increasing resource availability, conducting training programs, creating a feedback culture, and ensuring resources like registration books and reporting formats. Keywords: Health Data Management, Practice, health professional, public hospital