HEALTH WORKER FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH INFORMATION UTILIZATION IN JUBA COUNTY, SOUTH SUDAN

Purpose of Study:  This study aimed to examine health worker factors influencing health information utilization in Juba County, South Sudan. It focused on determining how professional training, information management competence, technology skills, access to routine data, and perceived data quality influence the use of health information for decision-making within public health facilities. Methodology:  A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional research design was used among 220 health workers from 12 public health facilities in Juba County. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests were applied to determine associations between health worker factors and information utilization. Findings:  The study achieved a 100% response rate. Training in data utilization (p=0.013) and HMIS software (p=0.028) significantly influenced health information use. Competence in information management tasks and ease of accessing routine data were strongly associated with utilization (p=0.0001). All assessed data quality dimensions, including timeliness, accuracy, reliability, completeness, relevancy, and credibility, significantly predicted information use. Major barriers included lack of motivation and feedback (63.6%), multiple reporting levels (60.9%), excessive data demands, and inadequate training. Findings demonstrate that both individual capacity and organizational support are critical for effective health information utilization. Conclusion:  Health information utilization in Juba County depends on skilled health workers, reliable data systems, and supportive organizational practices. Strengthening targeted HMIS training, improving access to routine data, enhancing digital capacity, and establishing regular feedback mechanisms are essential strategies for promoting evidence-based decision-making and improving health system performance.