Evaluation of the Quality and Performance of Nigeria Health Logistics Management Information System in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The Nigeria Health Logistics Management Information System (NHLMIS) was established to report achievements and trends in key health indicators across Nigeria, with need for assessing the precision and reliability of data emanating from the NHLMIS. Government of Nigeria launched Nigeria Health Logistics Management Information System in 2018 for end-to-end visibility into health commodities management. However, since after its operationalization, no research has been done to verify the quality of data generated through the system and track the overall system performance. This study aims to assess the accuracy and quality of health data generated through the NHLMIS and to understand the major data quality limitation factors in Anambra State, Nigeria with aview to recommending appropriate improvement strategies. Method: This study was facility-based, cross-sectional mixed-method study that utilised 98 systematically selected health facilities in Anambra State. Data from stock-keeping records, consumption records, and Logistic Management Information System reports were retrospectively extracted and used. Key informant interviews were conducted with 70 health workers inputting data into the Nigeria Health Logistic Management Information System. Descriptive statistics were employed for analyzing quantitative data, and thematic analysis was performed on the qualitative data. Results: Findings from the study revealed that 25% of HIV/AIDS, 90% of family planning, and 88% of tuberculosis-supported sites did not have stock-keeping tools as at the time of the study. Additionally, 38% of HIV/AIDS sites and 88% of tuberculosis sites had no consumption records while 100% of tuberculosis sites and 20% of family planning sites lacked other reporting tools. Discrepancies existed between Stock-On-Hand, Consumption and Losses/Adjustment records in source documents and LMIS Reports submitted for the three programs. Data accuracy issues were observed, with discrepancies ranging from 15% to 39% in various categories. Qualitative findings identified human, material, and financial factors as the major factors affecting NHLMIS data quality. Conclusions: The study revealed that the accuracy and quality of data in NHLMIS is poor due to multifaceted challenges that revolved around technology, transfer errors and other human and financial factors. Efforts to improve data quality should address these limitations as this will enhance the confidence on reported health data in Nigeria.