Academic Research Journal on Health Information Management

Vol. 7(2), pp. 37-44, April 2026

ISSN: 2734-2190

https://doi.org/10.14662/arjhim2026070

 

Full Length Research

 

 

Health Information Management in Controlling the Spread of Infectious Diseases in Wamakko LGA, Sokoto State, Nigeria: A Case Study of Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto.

 

1Abdulaziz Hussaini, 2Abubakar Hamza (PhD) and 3SANI, Abubakar

 

1Department of Psychology, Nasarawa state university Keffi. 2School of Health Information management, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto. E-mail: abubakarhamza86@yahoo.com 3Department of Health information management, School of Health Sciences, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu E-mail: abubakarkudan2000@gmail.com  

*Corresponding author’s E-mail: abdulazeezhussaini@gmail.com  

Accepted 12 April 2026

Abstract

Abstract: Health Information Management (HIM) is increasingly recognized as a pivotal component in the fight against infectious diseases, particularly in regions with underdeveloped health infrastructure. Effective HIM ensures timely, accurate, and accessible health data essential for surveillance, outbreak response, and resource allocation. This study investigated the role of HIM in controlling the spread of infectious diseases in Wamakko Local Government Area (LGA), Sokoto State, Nigeria, exploring how health data collection, reporting, and surveillance contribute to disease control, and identifying challenges hindering effective implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were collected from 95 health professionals across various cadres including nurses, health records officers, surveillance officers, and environmental health workers using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for data interpretation. Findings revealed that 92.6% of respondents recognized the importance of HIM in disease control, and 84.2% confirmed regular utilization of HIM practices. However, only 41.1% maintained electronic health records, while 76.8% submitted monthly surveillance reports. Major challenges identified included inadequate ICT infrastructure (75.8%), poor funding (71.6%), shortage of trained personnel (63.2%), and delays in data reporting (57.9%). Recommended strategies included capacity building (86.3%), government investment in ICT (82.1%), and integration of electronic medical records (73.7%). While foundational HIM practices exist in Wamakko LGA, their impact is limited by infrastructural and personnel constraints. Strengthening HIM systems through capacity building, digital transformation, and policy support is crucial for improving disease control efforts.

 

Keywords: Health Information Management, Infectious Diseases, Disease Surveillance, Wamakko LGA, Health Information Systems, Nigeria

Paper type: research