Factors Affecting Data Quality In Private Clinics In Uganda: The Case Of Selected Uganda Health Marketing Group-Supported Clinics In Kampala

ABSTRACT

This study sought to establish the factors that affect data quality in UHMG-supported private

clinics in Kampala District. The objectives of the study were: to examine the effect of internal

factors on data quality in UHMG-supported private clinics; to find out how external factors

affect data quality in UHMG-supported clinics and to find out how data quality can be improved

in UHMG-supported private clinics. Specific emphasis was put on the effect of internal factors

as well as external factors on data quality in UHMG-supported clinics in Kampala District. The

study used a case study research design on a population which entailed the staff of respective

clinics composed of administrators, in-charge and data entry staffs, among others. A total of 111

respondents were selected for the study. The researcher used both random and non-random

sampling techniques in selecting the samples .The study was guided by a quantitative paradigm,

but with substantial complementary qualitative methods. Questionnaires were self-administered

which provided sufficient data from the sample selected, and interviews were used in order to get

detailed data to complement and triangulate data which was collected using questionnaires. Data

from the questionnaires was analyzed quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social

Scientists (SPSS) where correlation was used to establish the relationship between the factors

and data quality. Data from questionnaires was presented in form of frequency tables and bar

graphs. The study findings confirmed that internal and external factors negatively affect data

quality in UHMG-supported private clinics. The study recommended that private clinics should

purposely invest in data departments that can be in charge of the monitoring and evaluation

function, conducting of formal trainings for all staff in data management and joint supervision in

quality assurance and improvement (QA/QI) to promote sustainability in private clinics.