Logistics Management Information System Performance of Program Medicines in Public Health Facilities of East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Logistics management information system enables the users to gain the right data, in the right quantity, in the right quality, at the right time, to the right place, and for the right cost. Without a logistics management information system, programs inevitably waste valuable resources. METHODS: A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study supplemented with a qualitative method was conducted in selected public health facilities of East Gojjam zone from March 21 to April 23, 2018. Twenty health facilities (15 health centers and 5 hospitals) were included in the study, and we selected randomly health facilities in proportion to their size. Data collectors were collected quantitative data through a physical count and document review. Key informants were selected using the purposive sampling technique and one of the researchers conducted an in-depth interview. Semi-structured questionnaires and observational checklists were used to collect relevant data. Quantifiable data entered EpiData software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. The qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method. RESULTS: The result showed that the availability and utilization of bin card records and report and requisition reports were 20 (100%). Out of 640 bin card records reviewed, 408 (63.8%) had accurate data ranged from 40 to 100% at hospitals and 20 to 86.6% at health centers. Likewise, 1089 (61.9%) of report and requisition form reports data were accurate ranged from 31 to 100% that 49 (89%) were complete and 51 (92.7%) were timely reported with health facilities reporting rate of 55 (91.7%). Poor facility setup and lack of organizational supports identified as principal bottlenecks of logistics management information system performance. CONCLUSION: The data accuracy of bin card records and report and requisition form reports were under an ideal condition while others were promising. The average data accuracy of bin card records of anti-malaria drugs was the highest with the lowest accurate report, and there is a need for improvement in data quality, organizational support, and facility setups.