Negligence in data recording during institutional birth: exploring health workers’ perspectives on the barriers and enablers of data documentation practices

This study examines health workers' perspectives in northwestern Ethiopia on the barriers and enablers to recording birth data, focusing on women's personal records. It shows that weak organizational emphasis on client-level documentation and limited accountability for personal records diminishes motivation and contributes to neglect of crucial data. Busy settings, marked by heavy workloads, staff shortages, and competing priorities, further undermine confidence in maintaining accurate records. Interventions should aim to enhance motivation, build staff self-esteem in documenting under pressure, and foster a sense of professional responsibility. Promoting a positive attitude toward detailed record-keeping is also essential.