Enhancing data management skills of primary health care workers in enugu state, Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a training scheme on data collection, recording, reporting and utilisation practices among primary health care workers in Enugu State.


METHODS
This is a "before and after" intervention study conducted among 107 Primary Health Care (PHC) workers in Enugu State. A multistage sampling technique was used. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and an observation checklist were the instruments used in data collection pre and post-intervention.


RESULTS
The workers in this study pre-intervention recorded data using health management information system (HMIS) forms, registers and exercise books. Seven (77.8%) and 6(66.2%) of the study and control health centres respectively kept monthly health center copies of HMIS form 000. These forms and registers were neither completely and correctly filled nor were kept up-to-date. Post-intervention, the reported and observed practices improved significantly (p<0.001) in the study unlike in the control health centress. Pre-intervention, none of the health centres entered data into the register 1-2weeks prior to this study and none remitted same monthly to the monitoring and evaluation units of the LGAs. Post-intervention, early data entry, reporting and local uses of data improved significantly (p<0.001) in the study group unlike in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The data management skills of PHC workers studied were generally inadequate pre-intervention. Training greatly enhanced their overall data management skills.
Osa-Eloka
C E
CE
Community Medicine Department, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 01129 Enugu, Nigeria e-mail:christiandolus@yahoo.com.
Nwakoby
B A N
BA
Onajole
A T
AT
Chika
N O
NO
Nwobi
E A
EA
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires