[Quality of Health Information in Mexico in the OECD Context: 2017-2021]

Objective: To evaluate the health information system (HIS) of Mexico according to the information reported to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The ultimate goal is to identify the improvements that should be considered.

Method: Health indicators published by the OECD (2017 to 2021) are analyzed according to 11 thematic groups. Coverage (quantity and type of indicators reported by thematic group) and quality of information were assessed, according to OECD guidelines.

Results: Mexico reported annually 14 of 378 indicators (3.7%), and discontinuously 204. In no group were all indicators reported annually, except for the two on COVID-19. Three out of 88 were reported annually on use of services; and none on health status, quality of care and pharmaceutical market. Twelve indicators (5.5% of those reported by Mexico, 3.2% of the full OECD set) had optimal quality and annual reporting. 57.7% of the reported indicators had at least one quality defect.

Conclusions: Within the framework of the standards set by the OECD, of which Mexico is a member, the Mexican HIS presents significant deficits in coverage and quality of information. These results should be considered to implement improvement initiatives.