Gender and social stratifiers in the Health Information Management System - Pilot Project Report

Sep 11, 2026

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Availability of disaggregated gender and social-stratifier data can help strengthen health outcomes while addressing inequities across gender and other social dimensions. The pilot study examines whether and how public and private health providers’ information management systems (IMS) generate and use evidence through a gender and intersectionality lens, and how such evidence shapes decisions. It reviews existing IMS policies and guidance, interviews key informants in Kathmandu, and analyzes materials using a thematic framework approach.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatDOCX

Pages37

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

ACRONYMS

PARTNERSHIPS FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION Gender and social stratifiers in the Health Information Management System and use of evidence in local health planning- a case study of public and private health facilities in Nepal PILOT PROJECT REPORT AUTHORS Dr. Sushil Baral, Ms. Shophika Regmi, Dr. Sampurna Kakchapati, Ms. Puja K.C June 2021 This report was produced as part of the activities of the HYPERLINK "https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/dir-record/research-projects/1366/partnerships-for-equity-and-inclusion" Partnership for Equity and Inclusion, a collaboration of international research networks aiming to support equitable practice in public service institutions. Findings aim to inform policymakers and practitioners in public services as well as advocacy groups that seek to improve public service access, outcomes and representation for socially excluded populations. Research team members: Dr Sushil Baral (PI), Managing Director, HERD International Ms Shophika Regmi, Senior Research Manager: Health Systems Research, Evaluation and Learning, HERD International Dr Sampurna Kakchapati, Research Manager: Survey, Evaluation and Impact, HERD International Ms Puja KC, Research and Data Management Officer, HERD International Abriti Arjyal, Research Manager: Qualitative and Multidisciplinary Science, HERD International Deepak Joshi, Research Manager: Operations Research and Evaluation, HERD International ACRONYMS ANC Antenatal Care DHIS District Health Information Software GESI Gender Equity and Social Inclusion HF Health Facility HFOMC Health Facility Operation Management Committee HMIS Health Management Information System HP Health Post IMS Information Management Systems KII Key Informant Interview MICS Multi Indicator Cluster Survey MoHP Ministry of Health and Population NDHS Nepal Demographic Health Survey NHRC Nepal Health Research Council PNC Postnatal Care PEI Partnership for Equity and Inclusion UHC Urban Health Centre EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction The availability of disaggregated data based on gender and social stratifiers allows policy makers and decision makers to enhance health outcomes and address inequities across gender and other stratifiers. There is a growing concern and recognition that gender and social stratifiers should be included in the routine Information Management Systems (IMS), however, it is less known whether, how and to what extent these IMS in public and private sectors provide evidence with a gender and intersectionality lens and how they inform decisions. Recognition of the importance of disaggregated data is growing, however, limited stratifiers available in the public and private sector IMS has prevented a comprehensive and contextual gender and intersectional analysis from routine data and hindered the planning of inclusive and equitable health services. Therefore, our pilot study aimed to explore the availability of gender and other social stratifiers in the IMS of public and private health providers, assess use of such disaggregated data in health sector planning and decision making and design an evidence-informed framework that promotes gender equitable delivery of health services. Methods The pilot study was an exploratory study using a of qualitative methods and document review. Document review included a review of existing IMS policies, guidelines, forms, formats, including national health policy, strategies and other documents. We interviewed a total of ten key informant interviews from health facilities, municipalities and health office of Kathmandu. We conducted this study in two municipalities of Kathmandu district of Province 3, which are Chandragiri Municipality and Kathmandu Metropolitan City. We selected two health facilities (one public and one private) in each municipality for data collection. Policy documents and qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic framework analysis approach. Results The desk review found that the importance of gender and social

FAQs

What is the purpose of the pilot study?

To explore the availability of gender and other social stratifiers in public and private providers’ IMS, assess how disaggregated data is used in planning and decision-making, and design an evidence-informed framework for gender-equitable delivery of health services.

How was the study conducted?

The study used qualitative methods and document review. It reviewed existing IMS policies, guidelines, and forms, and interviewed ten key informants across health facilities, municipalities, and health offices in Kathmandu.

What were the main findings regarding IMS and gender disaggregation?

While gender and social stratifiers are increasingly referenced in policies and national strategies, implementation was inconsistent. HMIS is the key platform for routine utilization data, but limited resources, insufficient trained staffing, and lack of regular DHIS2 training hinder effective functioning.

Sep 11, 2026

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