Harmonizing Computer-Based Medical Records Database System in Selected Primary Healthcare Centres in Adavi, Okehi, and Okene LGAs, Kogi State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1020-6024Keywords:
Harmonization, Kogi, Medical Records, Primary Healthcare, NigeriaAbstract
Primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in Adavi, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kogi State, Nigeria, continue to rely on fragmented, paper based medical record systems that compromise data quality, hinder continuity of care and obstruct healthcare planning. The study examined the current state of medical record management in PHCs across the three LGAs and proposes a framework for harmonizing medical record database systems to improve healthcare delivery. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was adopted, combining structured questionnaires and observational checklists administered to 312 healthcare workers across 45 PHCs in the three LGAs. Descriptive Statistics and chi square tests were used for analysis. Findings revealed that 82% of surveyed PHCs relied entirely on paper-based records, 71% reported frequent loss or misplacement of Patient files and only 11.3% had any form of electronic data capture. The findings from checklist revealed infrastructure deficit in all primary healthcare centres in selected LGAs of Kogi State. Health workers expressed strong willingness (89.4%) to adopt a unified electronic medical record system if supported with training and infrastructure. Significant variations in record keeping formats were observed across the three LGAs (P<0.05), with no standardized patient identification system in operation. A homogenized medical record database system, built upon open source platforms such as DHIS2 or Open MRS and aligned with Nigeria’s National Health Management Information System standards, would address the fragmentation in Primary Healthcare data.
References
Adedeji, T., Fraser, H., & Scott, P. (2022). Implementing Electronic Health Records in Primary Care Using the Theory of Change: Nigerian Case Study. JMIR Medical Informatics, 10(8), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.2196/33491
Akanbi, M. O., Ocheke, A. N., Agaba, P. A., Daniyam, C. A., Agaba, E. I., Okeke, E. N., & Ukoli, C. O. (2012). Use of Electronic Health Records in sub-Saharan Africa: Progress and challenges.
Akwaowo, C. D., Sabi, H. M., Ekpenyong, N., Isiguzo, C. M., Andem, N. F., Maduka, O., Dan, E., Umoh, E., Ekpin, V., & Uzoka, F. M. (2022). Adoption of Electronic Medical Records in Developing Countries: A multi-state Study of the Nigerian Healthcare System. Frontiers in Digital Health, 4(1017231), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2022.1017231
Alenoghena, I., Aigbiremolen, A. O., & Abejegah, C. Eboreime, E. (2014). Primary Health Care in Nigeria : Strategies and Constraints in Implementation. International Journal of Community Research, 3(3), 74–79.
Alobo, I. G., Soyannwo, T., Ukponwan, G., Akogu, S., Akpa, A. M., & Ayankola, K. (2020). Implementing Electronic Health System in Nigeria : Perspective Assessment in a Specialist Hospital. 20(2), 948–954.
Alunyu, A. E., Amiyo, M. R., & Nabukenya, J. (2024). Contextualised Digital Health Communication Infrastructure Standards for Resource- Constrained Settings : Perception of Digital Health Stakeholders Regarding Suitability for Uganda’s Health System. PLOS Digital Health, 3(9), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000603
Ayanlade, O. S. (2018). Electronic Medical Record System as a central ICT tool for Quality Healthcare Services : Nigeria as A Case Study. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 2042(1346), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2017.1412609
Bank, W. (2023). Interoperability in Health, Implementation Know-How Brief Washington, D.C. : World Bank Group.
Bhattacharya, A. A., Umar, N., Audu, A., Felix, H., Allen, E., Schellenberg, J. R. M., & Marchant, T. (2019). Quality of Routine Facility Data for Monitoring Priority Maternal and Newborn Indicators in DHIS2 : A case Study from Gombe State, Nigeria. PLOS ONE, 14(1), 1–21.
Bolatito, B. A., & Togunwa, T. O. (2025). Barriers to the Adoption of Electronic Health Records in Nigerian Healthcare Systems: Analysing Infrastructure, Training and Policy Challenges. Global Journal of Medical Students, 4(2), 34–41. https://doi.org/10.25259/gjms_1_2025
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publishing House.
Farnham, A., Loss, G., Lyatuu, I., Cossa, H., Kulinkina, A. V, & Winkler, M. S. (2023). A Roadmap for Using DHIS2 Data to Track Progress in key Health Indicators in the Global South : Experience from Sub ‑ saharan Africa. BMC Public Health, 23(1030), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15979-z
Foundation, P. (2022). Nigeria Health Sector Market Study Report.
Kwon, A., Lee, H., Shin, S., Yang, K., Sung, Y., Lee, K., Byeon, N., Lim, T., & Lee, J. (2024). Current Health Data Standardization Project and Future Directions to Ensure Interoperability in Korea. Health Informatics Research, 30(2), 93–102.
Mamuye, A. L., Yilma, T. M., Abdulwahab, A., Broomhead, S., Zondo, P., Kyeng, M., Maeda, J., Abdulaziz, M., Wuhib, T., & Tilahun, B. C. (2022). Health Information Exchange Policy and Standards for Digital Health Systems in Africa: A Systematic Review. PLOS Digital Health, 1(10), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000118
Mu’awiyyah, B. S., Hussein, A. T., Abdulazeez, A. O., & Istifanus, A. J. (2021). Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Healthcare Workers on use of Electronic Medical Records in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State Northwest Nigeria. 2(1), 1–12.
Mugauri, H. D., Chimsimbe, M., Shambira, G., Shamhu, S., Nyamasve, J., Munyanyi, M., Gongora, R., Zizhou, S., Gabida, M., & Makurumidze, R. (2025). A decade of designing and implementing electronic health records in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. In Global Health Action (Vol. 18, Issue 1). Taylor and Francis Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2492913
Ogah, P. O., Uguru, N., Okeke, C., Mohammed, N., Ogbe, O., Ashiver, W. G., & Aina, M. (2024). Primary Health care in Nigeria : best Practices and Quality of care in Nigeria. BMC Health Services Research, 24(963), 1–7.
Ojo, A. I., & Popoola, S. O. (2015). Some Correlates of Electronic Health Information Management System Success in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals. 7(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.4137/BII.S20229
Olukorode, S. O., Adedeji, O. J., Adetokun, A., & Abioye, A. I. (2024). Impact of Electronic Medical Hecords on Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: A Review. PLOS Digital Health, 3(9), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000420
Omotosho, A., & Emuoyibofarhe, J. (2014). A Criticism of the Current Security, Privacy and Accountability Issues in Electronic Health Records. International Journal of Applied Information Systems, 7(8), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.5120/ijais14-451225
Onigbogi, O. O., Poluyi, A. O., Poluyi, C. O., & Onigbogi, M. O. (2018). Doctors’ Attitude and Willingness to Use Electronic Medical Records at the Lagos University Teaching. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 10(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v10i2.8416
Onyeabor, U. S., Onwuasoigwe, O., Okenwa, W. O., Schaaf, T., Pinkwart, N., & Balzer, F. (2025). Exploring User Experiences of Clinicians Engaged with the Digital Healthcare Interventions across the Referral and University Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria: a qualitative study. Frontiers in Digital Health, 7(14), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2025.1488880
Shuaib, F., Garba, A. B., Meribole, E., Obasi, S., Sule, A., Nnadi, C., Waziri, N. E., Bolu, O., Nguku, P. M., Ghiselli, M., Adegoke, O. J., Jacenko, S., Mungure, E., Gidado, S., Wilson, I., Wiesen, E., Elmousaad, H., Bloland, P., Rosencrans, L., Vertefeuille, J. (2020). Implementing the Routine Immunisation Data Module and Dashboard of DHIS2 in Nigeria, 2014 – 2019. BMJ Global Health, 5(:e002203), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2019-002203
Yakubu, A. (2023). Statement on the State of Primary Healthcare in Kogi State. Premium Times, 2312, 5.
Zerfu, A., Asressie, M., Begna, Z., Habtamu, T., Werkneh, N., Nigatu, T., Ibido, M. J., & Genta, A. (2024). Unveiling the Role of DHIS2 in Enhancing Data Quality and Accessibility in primary Healthcare Facilities : Evidence from Ethiopia. PLOS, 19(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314505
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdulazeez Anakobe Sadiq, Monica Orahachi Ohiani, Abdulkarim Musa Onuja, Khalimat Oyiza Momohjimoh, Ahmed Talib Umar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
