| dc.description.abstract | Health centres have faced challenges in timely inputting nutrition data into the Nutrition
Health Information System, resulting in inconsistent and poor-quality reports. These
inconsistencies lead to incomplete and inaccurate data, hindering effective decision-making
and information sharing at the district level and among partners. This thesis examined the
availability of nutrition indicators, the presence of nutrition information, and factors
influencing the quality of nutrition indicator reports by health workers in government rural
health facilities in Agago district.A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling was
conducted, employing descriptive data and inferential analysis via SPSS. Chi-square tests
revealed a significant relationship between respondents' professions and their knowledge of
nutrition indicators, with a Pearson Chi-Square value of 37.056 and a p-value of 0.001. The
Phi coefficient of .653 and Cramer's V of .461 indicated a moderate to strong association.
Similarly, there was a significant association between the respondents' profession and their
use of platforms for learning and sharing nutrition information. Mid Upper Arm
Circumference (MUAC) was the most frequently cited indicator (41.2%), followed by
Weight-for-Age (WFA) at 18%, Height-for-Age (HFA), and Weight-for-Height (WFH) at
12% each. Nutrition services in rural government facilities were found to be inadequate, with
only 18.7% offering dietary counselling and meal planning, and 40.7% providing nutritional
education and screening for malnourished individuals. Training gaps were evident, especially
among nurses and midwives.The District Health Management Meetings were the most
utilised platform for learning and sharing nutrition information (61.5%), while access to
national information sources like MIYCAN was reported by 83.5% of respondents. However,
the use of the District Health Information System two (DHIS2) website was minimal (3.1%).
Access to annual reports on nutrition budget expenditure and service delivery effectiveness
was low (6.3%), while monthly reports on malnutrition prevalence rates were more accessible
(64.8%). Most facilities relied on paper-based methods for recording nutrition data (61.8%),
with electronic systems like smartphones and tablets being scarce (1.8%). In conclusion,
while most healthcare professionals are somewhat aware of nutrition indicators, significant
knowledge gaps remain. The study highlighted the need for targeted training, improved
communication, and enhanced data management tools to improve the quality of nutrition
reporting in Agago district. Overall, the findings underscore the progress made and the
challenges that persist in nutrition indicator reporting, suggesting key areas for improvement
in training and resources. | en_US |
