Supportive supervision, training and resource availability influences data Quality in Public Primary Healthcare Facilities in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Purpose This study assessed the quality of routine health data and examined the influence of organizational factors (supportive supervision, staff training, and resource availability) on data management in public primary healthcare facilities in the Dodoma Region, Tanzania Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study design was employed in 126 randomly selected facilities (hospitals, health centres, and dispensaries). Data quality was evaluated across three dimensions—completeness, consistency, and timeliness—through retrospective review of registers and routine monthly reports. Organizational factors including supportive supervision, resource availability, and staff training were assessed using structured checklists and interviews. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were applied to determine associations, with significance set at p<0.05. Results Data completeness was below national standards, with dispensaries reporting the highest proportion of incomplete data (71.4%), followed by hospitals (66.7%) and health centres (57.1%). While most facilities demonstrated high data consistency (≥90%), timeliness of reporting remained a challenge, particularly among dispensaries (85.7% delayed reports). Regression analysis indicated that supportive supervision (β=0.116, p<0.001), staff training (β=0.147, p<0.001), and resource availability (β=0.127, p<0.001) were significant predictors of improved data quality. Conclusion This study provides empirical evidence on the persistent gaps in routine health data quality in Tanzania’s primary healthcare facilities and highlights the organizational determinants most strongly associated with improved performance. Strengthening supportive supervision, ensuring adequate resources, and building staff capacity are critical to enhancing the reliability of health information systems. Trial registration: Not Applicable