Utilization of Data Visualization Tools to Inform Decision-Making Among Health Managers in Selected Counties, in Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the utilization of data visualization tools among County and Sub County Health Managers in eight selected counties in Kenya. The research focused on how individual characteristics, technological, organizational, and behavioral factors impact the use of these tools in decision-making. The mixed methods approach included quantitative data from structured questionnaires and qualitative data from interviews. Out of the targeted 160 respondents, 149 participated, giving a response rate of 93%. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 for quantitative analysis and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. The findings revealed that all four factors significantly influence decision-making. Individual characteristics had a positive correlation coefficient of 0.504, technological factors 0.784, organizational factors 0.776, and behavioral factors 0.404, all statistically significant. The study showed that 82.3% of the variance in data visualization tool utilization could be explained by these factors. The regression analysis demonstrated positive relationships between each factor and the use of data visualization tools. The study concluded that individual characteristics, such as training, significantly influence decision-making and recommended further training for healthcare managers in advanced data analysis, epidemiology, data presentation, interpretation, data mining, modeling, GIS, monitoring, evaluation, data analytics, and predictive analysis.