Objective: Qualitative study to identify and understand the barriers to using HIV/AIDS surveillance data experienced at the state level in Mexico.
Materials and methods: Eighteen individuals were interviewed in Michoacán, Morelos and Mexico City, including representatives from government and non-government organizations. Transcripts were analyzed thematically based on expected barriers to data utilization drawn from the literature.
Results: Four categories of barriers were identified: knowledge and accessibility to existing data, limits on using data, decision-making barriers, and resource barriers.
Discussion: This study highlights the factors that influence how local programs use surveillance data to improve their programmatic activities. Two specific areas are identified for potential improvements: awareness and accessibility of surveillance data available, and improving local capacity of officials to use them.