Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40605114›Full record

ArticleArchives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique2025

Contributions of District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) to maternal and child health service performance in Ethiopia: an interrupted time series mixed-methods study.

Taddese Alemu Zerfu, Moges Asressie, Amare Abera Tareke, Zenebu Begna, Tigist Habtamu, Netsanet Werkneh, Tariku Nigatu, Meskerem Jisso, Addisalem Genta

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In one paragraph

Article in Archives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Taddese Alemu ZerfuEMIRTA Institute of Research, Training and Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. tadalzerfu@gmail.com.
Moges AsressiePlanning, M & E Office, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahirdar, Ethiopia.
Amare Abera TarekeWollo University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dessie, Ethiopia.
Zenebu BegnaDepartment of Public Health, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia.
Tigist HabtamuAddis Ababa University (AAU), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Netsanet WerknehJimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Tariku NigatuEMIRTA Institute of Research, Training and Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Meskerem JissoHawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
Addisalem GentaEMIRTA Institute of Research, Training and Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) is the primary digital platform for health management information systems (HMIS) in Ethiopia, aligning with the nation's digitization strategy. Despite widespread implementation, its effectiveness on key health service indicators, particularly maternal and child health (MCH) services, remain unclear.

objectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the contribution of DHIS2 on data use and the performance of selected MCH indicators in Ethiopia, comparing data before and after the implementation of DHIS2.

methodsWe analysed data from primary health care units (PHUs) across five diverse regions of Ethiopia, encompassing urban, agrarian, and pastoralist settings. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the data. The quantitative component involved examining performance reports of selected maternal and child health (MCH) indicators from 2013 to 2022 to assess changes before and after the implementation of the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2). Data were collected electronically and analysed using descriptive statistics and interrupted time series (ITS) analyses to identify trends and patterns. The qualitative component included interviews and focus group discussions with health workers and stakeholders to explore contextual factors influencing MCH service utilization and performance. The data were analysed thematically using OpenCode 4.1 software.

resultsThe implementation of DHIS2 significantly contributed to the enhancement of MCH data utilization within PHU facilities. This improvement supported decision-making processes in various aspects of maternal and child healthcare delivery, including target setting, resource allocation, program monitoring, and clinical service provision. Specifically, DHIS2 led to increased monthly mean performance of key indicators such as antenatal care visits, skilled birth attendance, and immunization rates. Notable improvements in service delivery were observed, with significant increases in institutional delivery rates over time.

conclusionsThe study highlights DHIS2's significant contribution to improving MCH services in Ethiopia, with increased institutional delivery rates and ANC coverage reflecting enhanced data-driven decision-making. Most facilities relied on DHIS2 for resource allocation and program monitoring, though challenges like offline usage and accessibility persist. To maximize impact, improving offline data management, training staff, leveraging real-time reporting, and addressing accessibility through connectivity investments are recommended.

Indexed as

DHIS2EthiopiaInterrupted time seriesMaternal and child healthPerformance

Identifiers

PMID40605114
PMCPMC12220602

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.