Perceived Usefulness, Competency, and Associated Factors in Using District Health Information System Data Among District Health Managers in Tanzania: Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Tanzania introduced District Health Information Software (version 2; DHIS2) in 2013 to support existing health management information systems and to improve data quality and use. However, to achieve these objectives, it is imperative to build human resource capabilities to address the challenges of new technologies, especially in resource-constrained countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the perceived usefulness, competency, and associated factors in using DHIS2 data among district health managers (DHMs) in Tanzania. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study used a quantitative approach, which involved using a self-administered web-based questionnaire. This study was conducted between April and September 2019. We included all core and co-opted members of the council or district health management teams (DHMTs) from all 186 districts in the country. Frequency and bivariate analyses were conducted, and the differences among categories were measured by using a chi-square test. P values of <.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 2667 (77.96%) of the expected 3421 DHMs responded, of which 2598 (97.41%) consented and completed the questionnaires. Overall, the DHMs were satisfied with DHIS2 (2074/2596, 79.83%) because of workload reduction (2123/2598, 81.72%), the ease of learning (1953/2598, 75.17%), and enhanced data use (2239/2598, 86.18%). Although only half of the managers had user accounts (1380/2598, 53.12%) and were trained on DHIS2 data analysis (1237/2598, 47.61%), most claimed to have average to advanced skills in data validation (1774/2598, 68.28%), data visualization (1563/2598, 60.16%), and DHIS2 data use (1321/2598, 50.85%). The biggest challenges facing DHMs included the use of a paper-based system as the primary data source (1890/2598, 72.75%) and slow internet speed (1552/2598, 59.74%). Core members were more confident in using DHIS2 compared with other members (P=.004), whereas program coordinators were found to receive more training on data analysis and use (P=.001) and were more confident in using DHIS2 data compared with other DHMT members (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that DHMs have appreciable competencies in using the DHIS2 and its data. However, their skill levels have not been commensurate with the duration of DHIS2 use. This study recommends improvements in the access to and use of DHIS2 data. More training on data use is required and should involve using cost-effective approaches to include both the core and noncore members of the DHMTs. Moreover, enhancing the culture and capacity of data use will ensure the better management and accountability of health system performance.