Abstract:
This study was undertaken to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the present HIS for
family planning (FP) with a view to studying the use of infromation as a management tool in
the FP program,at the divisional and sub divisional levels.Five (5) different interventions
were identified based the findings of the first part of the study.The interventions
were:training program for all health workers in all five areas(A-E) ; introduction of
evaluation formats to be used at monthly conferences(area B) ; introduction of a self
assessment checklist to PHMs (area C); all these three components (area D) and
introduction of a modified field record(area E).Introduction of the evaluation foramat along
with the educational program was the most effective intervention, which enhanced the use
and improved the knowledge for use of information at the peripheral level. The modified
field record improved the quality of record keeping.These findings highlight the need for
educational programs to be linked with activities in which the knowledge could be
applied.Most of the interventions studied did not need additional resources,hence the need to
consider the feasibility of introducing similar programs and follow up for a longer period
than was done during this study,to assess the sustainability.
