| dc.description.abstract | Utilization of health information is important in the provision of efficient and effective healthcare services. It involves generation, collection and analysis of data, which identifies gaps in health systems to prompt planning for appropriate healthcare interventions. Despite its usefulness, there is disparity between electronic and paper based systems. This leads to poor accessibility, availability and quality of information. This has created inequity in allocation and utilization resources, due inadequate use of information. The study sought to determine the utilization of healthcare information among 160 healthcare workers in 52 healthcare facilities in Gucha Sub County. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study design where quantitative data was collected, using structured questionnaires. Stratified and quota sampling methods were used to recruit the study participants. Statistical analysis of data was mainly by percentages, chi-square, and findings presented on tables. The study revealed that only 7.5% of the professionals in the field of health information while the rest were from the other cadres. The study found only 11 % of the staff were accessing and utilizing healthcare information by healthcare workers, although the government recorded high usage (81 %). The difference between the users and the producers of the information was hot statistically significant (p>0.05). Knowledge on the use of health information was also insufficient. Only 36% of healthcare workers had computer knowledge Availability of data/information was low because none of the health facilities had pure electronic system in use; 57% (n=91) used paper and 43 %( n=69) used hybrid. In addition there were shortages of data tools 78% (n=l25) in health facilities. The quality of data/information was compromised due to lack of information guidelines, policy, professionalism, monitoring and evaluation framework and strategic plan. The • study recommends employing and deploying of technical health informatics officers in field of health information, purchasing and deploying computer software. Healthcare workers should be trained on use of computer software to generate, collect and analyse data. Most important provide health information policies, guidelines and. standards, monitoring and evaluation framework, monitoring and evaluation plan or legal frame work for applications in the department. | en_US |