Influence of Health Logistics Management Information System on Availability of Medical Commodities in Public Health Facilities in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Health logistics management systems is critical to ensure the availability of essential medicines and services. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of health logistics management information system on the availability of medical commodities in level 4 and 5 public health facilities in Kajiado County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected using a self-administered 5-point Likert scale structured questionnaire from 108 health care providers (HCPs). Data were coded, processed, and descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Spearman rank correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between variables and the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable, respectively. Statistical significance was set at <0.05. Health care workers reported varied experience with health logistics management system components. Spearman coefficient and logistic regression analyses reported a positive correlation between inventory management, order process management, and information management systems and the availability of medical commodities (r = 0.733, p=0.000; r = -0.397, p=0.000; r = 0.737, p=0.000, and (β = 2.016, S.E. = 0.581, p< 0.05; β = 1.567, S.E. = 2.298, p< 0.05; β = 0.742, S.E. = 0.363, p< 0.05; and (β = 3.491, S.E. = 1.312, p< 0.05), respectively. In this study, HCPs are not sufficiently proficient in health logistics management system, which negatively impacts the availability of medical commodities. Order process management, inventory management, and information flow management systems have positive relationships and significantly influence the availability of medical commodities in public health facilities in Kajiado County.