S B Bawa1, U S Umar. 1. Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. sbawa2@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: An effective Disease surveillance system provides information that is required for appropriate action. Although evaluated by attributes like sensitivity, predictive value and representativeness, the assessment of its operational status is critical, especially in developing countries. METHODS: We conducted this cross sectional survey among 144 health personnel from facilities and Local Government disease surveillance officers, using pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and observational checklist. RESULTS: This showed that only 55 (38.2%) of the respondents were aware of the Disease surveillance and notification (DSN) system. Fifty-eight (65.9%) and 7 (8.0%) of the facilities had up-to-date registers and DSN forms respectively. Diagnostic support was lacking in most of the health facilities. Data was not analysed at LGA level, and forms and logistics for supervising disease surveillance activities and feedback were inadequate. CONCLUSION: We recommend training/retraining of health personnel on infectious disease surveillance, provision of logistics, improved supervision and feedback of information.
BACKGROUND: An effective Disease surveillance system provides information that is required for appropriate action. Although evaluated by attributes like sensitivity, predictive value and representativeness, the assessment of its operational status is critical, especially in developing countries. METHODS: We conducted this cross sectional survey among 144 health personnel from facilities and Local Government disease surveillance officers, using pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and observational checklist. RESULTS: This showed that only 55 (38.2%) of the respondents were aware of the Disease surveillance and notification (DSN) system. Fifty-eight (65.9%) and 7 (8.0%) of the facilities had up-to-date registers and DSN forms respectively. Diagnostic support was lacking in most of the health facilities. Data was not analysed at LGA level, and forms and logistics for supervising disease surveillance activities and feedback were inadequate. CONCLUSION: We recommend training/retraining of health personnel on infectious disease surveillance, provision of logistics, improved supervision and feedback of information.
Authors: Luka Mangveep Ibrahim; Mary Stephen; Ifeanyi Okudo; Samuel Mutbam Kitgakka; Ibrahim Njida Mamadu; Isha Fatma Njai; Saliu Oladele; Sadiq Garba; Olubunmi Ojo; Chikwe Ihekweazu; Clement Lugala Peter Lasuba; Ali Ahmed Yahaya; Peter Nsubuga; Wondimagegnehu Alemu Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2020-05-01 Impact factor: 3.295