LEVEL AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNICIANS AMONG PUBLIC HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN DIRE DAWA ADMINISTRATION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Employee performance is vital for healthcare organizational goals. Health Information Technicians (HITs) manage patient data, improve delivery, and support decisions, directly impacting outcomes. However, evidence on their performance levels and factors is scarce in Dire Dawa and Ethiopia. Objective: To assess HITs performance levels and influencing factors in Dire Dawa Administration's public healthcare facilities from January 13–31, 2025. Methods and Materials: Cross-sectional mixed-methods design as employed to survey all 34 HITs across 18 public healthcare facilities (2 hospitals, 16 health centers) with 100% response rate via self-administered questionnaires. Quantitative data analyzed in STATA using descriptive statistics and logistic regression (variables p<0.2 advanced to multivariable; significance at p<0.05 with AOR and 95% CI). Qualitative data thematically analyzed in Atlas.ti and integrated. Results: 67.65% exhibited high performance. Multivariable regression: males had 91.5% lower odds vs. females (AOR=0.085, 95%CI:0.010–0.749, p=0.026); rural facilities increased odds 17 fold (AOR=17.119, 95%CI:1.332–220.010, p=0.029); dissatisfaction with infrequent pay raises decreased odds by 65.4% (AOR=0.346, p=0.042). >85% reported strong self-perceived competencies; >50% dissatisfied with extrinsic motivators (pay, promotion, rewards). Work environment positive (mean=4.21) but resource shortages common. Thematic analysis of 17 interviews revealed behavioral competency inconsistencies. Conclusion and Recommendations: HIT performance moderately high but limited by extrinsic dissatisfaction and environmental barriers; influenced by socio-demographics, setting, and pay; supported by training, competencies, intrinsic rewards, and social networks. Recommend salary enhancements, equitable promotions/benefits, standardized training, infrastructure upgrades (e.g., networks), supportive supervision; call for larger studies.