Abstract
There is no published data on quality of administrative data for various health indicators in Botswana, yet such data are used for policy making and future planning. This article reports on quality of data on child health and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) indicators in Botswana. The main objective of the study was to assess the quality of administrative data from Expanded Immunization Program (EPI) and condom use, Depo-Provera uptake and domiciliary care attendance in Botswana. This was a retrospective study entailing a review of data retrieved from district health records and District Health Information System (DHIS). A total of 30 clinics and health posts were randomly selected from two cities, a town and three rural villages which makes up 6 districts commonly denoted urban, semi-urban and rural respectively. Through a stratified random sampling health facilities were selected. EPI data (Penta 3- third dose of pentavalent vaccine and Measles vaccine) and SRH data (condom use, Depo-Provera uptake and Domiciliary care) were assessed for completeness, discrepancies and verification factor using WHO Routine data quality (RDQA) assessment tool. A verification score of less than 90%% was considered as underreporting while more than 110% is over reporting. However, the score which is within +-10% is acceptable, reliable and a good indicator of data quality and reporting system. About 56% (9/16) SRH indicators had a verification factor score outside the accepted range and 87% (13/15) discrepancy value outside the accepted range. For immunization, 10% (1/10) had a verification factor score outside the accepted range and 33% (3/9) had a discrepancy value outside the accepted range. The level of completeness was high for both Penta3 and Measles coverage and it was lowest for condom. Our findings highlight a poorer data quality for SRH indicators compared to child health indicators. A comprehensive program review drawing lessons from the child health indicators is required to improve the quality of administrative data in Botswana.
Highlights
The use of administrative data for effective planning, monitoring and supervision of health care programs will largely depend on the quality of data from health facilities
We report an assessment of the quality of administrative data for child health and sexual and reproductive health indicators (SRH) in Botswana
Materials and methods Study design. This was a retrospective study involving the review of data obtained from district health records and District Health Information System 2 (DHIS 2)
Summary
The use of administrative data for effective planning, monitoring and supervision of health care programs will largely depend on the quality of data from health facilities. Most low and middle income countries (LMICs) have weak systems for maintaining and reporting health facility data and end up with data that are incomplete, inaccurate, and untimely [1,2,3,4]. It is important for countries to regularly evaluate the quality of their routine administrative data in order to use such data with confidence for planning and monitoring health services. The data on immunization coverage is important for monitoring the performance of immunization services, to guide strategies for control. Quality data on the uptake of family planning is needed to address the high maternal mortality occurring in LMICs [11]. Reproductive risks can be reduced substantially by preventing unwanted pregnancies through good family planning programs [11, 12]
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