Effect of cold chain management practices on health centers operational performance: A facility Based cross-sectional study

Background Access to essential cold chain pharmaceutical products is crucial for improving healthcare. Pharmaceutical organizations recommend a global standard for handling, storing, and distributing these items. However, resource-limited countries like Ethiopia face challenges in implementing cold chain management practices for temperature-sensitive products. Objective The study aimed to assess the cold chain management practice, and operational performance in the government health centers in the Administration of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted on health centers in Addis Ababa from September 5–30, 2023 G.C. Logistic indicator assessment tools were used in 20 health centers. Key informants such as the warehouse manager, pharmacy head, and expanded program immunization focal person were purposefully sampled. Three focal persons were selected from each health center. Generally, sixty (n = 60) study participants were included. Previously published literature and guidelines were used to review cold chain management practice and operational performance. Statistical analyses including the chi-square test, and multivariate regression were conducted, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results The study revealed that the majority of 34 individuals (56.7%) possessed work experience exceeding 3 years. As for practice-related aspects, the study showed that storage and facility (4.19 ± 0.271), distribution system (4.01 ± 0.247), technical capacity (4.43 ± 0.116), and information system (4.25 ± 0.138) were deemed sufficient for maintaining cold chain products in health centers. Furthermore, the chi-square test demonstrated a strong correlation (P = 0.0001) between the educational background, work experience, and years of service of employees and their cold chain management practices. The evaluation of cold chain management performance in public health facilities revealed an 85% rate of inaccurate inventory records, 55% undesirable storage practices, 85% inadequate stock records, and a notable level of product wastage (80%) in these health centers. Notably, the experience of respondents in cold chain management, product storage systems and facilities, distribution systems, and technical capacity of health facilities were identified as significant associated factors (p < 0.05 at 95% CI) with the operational performance of cold chain management. Conclusion Overall, the findings underscored the importance of addressing operational performance inefficiencies in the handling of cold chain products at health facilities. By implementing better training, standard operating procedures, logistics and inventory management techniques, and infrastructure, health facilities can ensure the quality and efficacy of their cold chain products, ultimately improving patient outcomes and public health.