Immunization data quality and factors influencing data generation, handling and use in Wogera District, Northern Ethiopia, 2020

Background: Data quality is a vital metric in health information systems to ascertain improved health of individuals and community as well Immunization data are critical inputs in assessing national performance of expanded program on immunization and child health improvement. Inconsistent health data happens when variations arise in the report and re-count from the source documents. Aim: This study aimed to assess immunization data quality and factors influencing data generation, handling, and use. Methods: Both qualitative and quantitative data were used Immunization recording and reporting documents were reviewed at 41 health facilities of primary health care units. Twenty health workforces were interviewed on healthcare data quality, generation, handling, and use. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows version 26 was used to perform quantitative data analysis and open code version 4.02 was used for qualitative data analysis. Data accuracy was presented using mean and standard deviation of data verification factor. Results: Over-reporting of immunization data elements was observed. The highest accuracy (75%) was reported for full immunization at health center level followed by 62.5% for measles. The difference between verification factor of ideal reports and observed values, indicates that there is over reporting in all immunization data elements by 44% (27-61%), 46% (=31-61%), 40% (12-61%), 37% (11-63%), and 38% (12-64%) in BCG, Penta 1, Penta 3, measles, and full immunization, respectively. Supervision, availability of recording and reporting tools, training, motivation, attitudes towards healthcare data, hard to reach areas and manual documentation were influencing factors of immunization data quality, generation, handling, and use. Conclusion: The study revealed that health facilities over-reported immunization data elements in primary health care units. Attentions should be given to address organization, behavioral, technical, and contextual factors influencing immunization data quality, generation, handling, and use.