scholarly journals Evaluation of surveillance system for pneumonia in children below five years, Tema Metropolis, Ghana, 2012 – 2016

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
Dora Dadzie ◽  
Adolphina Addo-Lartey ◽  
Nana Peprah ◽  
Ernest Kenu

Background: We evaluated the pneumonia surveillance system in Tema Metropolis to determine whether it is meeting its objectives and to assess its attributes.Design: Descriptive primary and secondary data analysisData Source: We interviewed health staff on the system’s operation and resources. We also extracted 2012-2016 surveillance dataset for under-five pneumonia cases and deaths from the District Health Information Management System for review.Participants: Health staffIntervention: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidelines for evaluating surveillance systems was used to assess system attributes. Main outcome measure: state of the pneumonia surveillance system in TemaResults: A suspected case was defined as fast breathing in any child < 5 years old. The case definition was easy to apply, even at the community level. From 2012 to 2016, a total of 3,337 cases and 54 deaths (case fatality rate 1.6%) was recorded from 13 (23.6%) of 55 health facilities. Two epidemics were missed by the district because data were not being analysed. There were no laboratory data on antimicrobial resistance. Although reporting timeliness increased from 28.1% in 2012 to 83% in 2016, data inconsistencies existed between reporting levels.Conclusion: The surveillance system for under-five pneumonia in Tema Metropolis is simple, stable, flexible, timely,but of low sensitivity and acceptability, and only partly meeting its objectives. Major shortcomings are lack of laboratory data, non-use of data and low representativeness.Keywords: Under-five Pneumonia, Surveillance System Evaluation, Tema, GhanaFunding: The study was supported by a grant to author DB by the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) -CDC CoAg 6NU2GGH001876

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashim Abdulmumin Bala ◽  
Yahaya Mohammed ◽  
Nyampa Barau ◽  
Lukman Surajudeen ◽  
Polycarp Uche Ori

Abstract Background Since 1988, the incidence of polio has reduced by more than 99 percent, worldwide, according to the WHO. Each year, more than 350,000 children were paralyzed, in more than 125 endemic countries. Today, only two countries are still having transmission of polio: Pakistan and Afghanistan. No wild poliovirus has been reported anywhere in Africa since 2016. A good and effective Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system is necessary to detect any suspected case of polio to interrupt the transmission of polio within any country. We evaluated the AFP surveillance system to identify gaps in its operations. Methods We used the updated CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems and the WHO performance standards to assess the system. We also interviewed stakeholders using an adapted questionnaire, and a key informant interview. We also reviewed AFP surveillance data from 2013–2018. We summarized data using means, frequencies, and proportion. Results We interviewed a total of 49 respondents. Of these, 47 (98%) reported case definitions as being easy to use, and case investigation forms as being easy to fill, 46 (97%) reported data tools could easily accommodate changes, and all the surveillance officers understand the case definition of AFP. All respondents were willing to continue with the system. The non-polio AFP rate (24.6–55.2), stool adequacy (95-99.7%), timeliness, and completeness of reporting were found to be consistently above the WHO minimum standard. Conclusion The AFP surveillance system in Kebbi State was found to be useful, simple, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative, timely, and stable, though donor-driven. Absence of data on 60-day follow up and feedback from the laboratory was a major problem with the system.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashim Abdulmumin Bala ◽  
Yahaya Mohammed ◽  
Nyampa Barau ◽  
Lukman Surajudeen ◽  
Polycarp Uche Ori

Abstract Background: Since 1988, the incidence of polio has reduced by more than 99 percent, worldwide, according to the WHO. Each year, more than 350,000 children were paralyzed, in more than 125 endemic countries. Today, only two countries are still having transmission of polio: Pakistan and Afghanistan. No wild poliovirus has been reported anywhere in Africa since 2016. A good and effective Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system is necessary to detect any suspected case of polio to interrupt the transmission of polio within any country. We evaluated the AFP surveillance system to identify gaps in its operations.Methods: We used the updated CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems and the WHO performance standards to assess the system. We also interviewed stakeholders using an adapted questionnaire, and a key informant interview. We also reviewed AFP surveillance data from 2013-2018. We summarized data using means, frequencies, and proportion. Results: A total of 49 respondents were interviewed. Of these, 47 (98%) reported case definitions as being easy to use, and case investigation forms as being easy to fill, 46 (97%) reported data tools could easily accommodate changes, and all the surveillance officers understand the case definition of AFP. All respondents were willing to continue with the system. The non-polio AFP rate (24.6-55.2), stool adequacy (95-99.7%), timeliness, and completeness of reporting were found to be consistently above the WHO minimum standard.Conclusion: The AFP surveillance system in Kebbi State was found to be useful, simple, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative, timely, and stable, though donor-driven. The absence of data on 60-day follow up and feedback from the laboratory was a major problem with the system.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashim Abdulmumin Bala ◽  
Yahaya Mohammed ◽  
Nyampa Barau ◽  
Lukman Surajudeen ◽  
Polycarp Uche Ori

Abstract Background: Since 1988, the incidence of polio has reduced by more than 99 percent, worldwide, according to the WHO. Each year, more than 350,000 children were paralyzed, in more than 125 endemic countries. Today, only two countries are still having transmission of polio: Pakistan and Afghanistan. No wild poliovirus has been reported anywhere in Africa since 2016. A good and effective Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system is necessary to detect any suspected case of polio to interrupt the transmission of polio within any country. We evaluated the AFP surveillance system to identify gaps in its operations.Methods: We used the updated CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems and the WHO performance standards to assess the system. We also interviewed stakeholders using an adapted questionnaire, and a key informant interview. We also reviewed AFP surveillance data from 2013-2018. We summarized data using means, frequencies, and proportion. Results: A total of 49 respondents were interviewed. Of these, 47 (98%) reported case definitions as being easy to use, and case investigation forms as being easy to fill, 46 (97%) reported data tools could easily accommodate changes, and all the surveillance officers understand the case definition of AFP. All respondents were willing to continue with the system. The non-polio AFP rate (24.6-55.2), stool adequacy (95-99.7%), timeliness, and completeness of reporting were found to be consistently above the WHO minimum standard.Conclusion: The AFP surveillance system in Kebbi State was found to be useful, simple, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative, timely, and stable, though donor-driven. The absence of data on 60-day follow up and feedback from the laboratory was a major problem with the system.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashim Abdulmumin Bala ◽  
Yahaya Mohammed ◽  
Nyampa Barau ◽  
Lukman Surajudeen ◽  
Polycarp Uche Ori

Abstract Background: Since 1988, the incidence of polio has reduced by more than 99 percent, worldwide, according to the WHO. Each year, more than 350,000 children were paralyzed, in more than 125 endemic countries. Today, only two countries are still having transmission of polio: Pakistan and Afghanistan. No wild poliovirus has been reported anywhere in Africa since 2016. A good and effective Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system is necessary to detect any suspected case of polio to interrupt the transmission of polio within any country. We evaluated the AFP surveillance system to identify gaps in its operations.Methods: We used the updated CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems and the WHO performance standards to assess the system. We also interviewed stakeholders using an adapted questionnaire, and a key informant interview. We also reviewed AFP surveillance data from 2013-2018. We summarized data using means, frequencies, and proportion.Results: A total of 49 respondents were interviewed. Of these, 47 (98%) reported case definitions as being easy to use, and case investigation forms as being easy to fill, 46 (97%) reported data tools could easily accommodate changes, and all the surveillance officers understand the case definition of AFP. All respondents were willing to continue with the system. The non-polio AFP rate (24.6-55.2), stool adequacy (95-99.7%), timeliness, and completeness of reporting were found to be consistently above the WHO minimum standard.Conclusion: The AFP surveillance system in Kebbi State was found to be useful, simple, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative, timely, and stable, though donor-driven. The absence of data on 60-day follow up and feedback from the laboratory was a major problem with the system.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashlynn Daughton ◽  
Alina Deshpande

Because of the potential threats flu viruses pose, the United States, like many developed countries, has a very well established flu surveillance system consisting of 10 components collecting laboratory data, mortality data, hospitalization data and sentinel outpatient care data. Currently, this surveillance system is estimated to lag behind the actual seasonal outbreak by one to two weeks. As new data streams come online, it is important to understand what added benefit they bring to the flu surveillance system complex. For data streams to be effective, they should provide data in a more timely fashion or provide additional data that current surveillance systems cannot provide. Two multiplexed diagnostic tools designed to test syndromically relevant pathogens and wirelessly upload data for rapid integration and interpretation were evaluated to see how they fit into the influenza surveillance scheme in California.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-56
Author(s):  
Syed Nadeem-ur-Rehman ◽  
Uzma Hafeez ◽  
Mumtaz Ahmad Khan ◽  
Masood Ahmad Bukhari

Background: The State of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) is polio free since October 2000.The objectives of our study is to review of existing Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance System in Azad Jammu &Kashmir, identify the strong & weak points of the existing system and suggest course of action for efficient performance of the existing system. Methods: This qualitative & quantitative evaluation was conducted at Provincial Disease Surveillance &Response Unit (PDSRU) Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu & Kashmir during March -April 2019. The database of AFP cases during 2018 was reviewed and relevant stakeholder's interviews were conducted consulting guidelines formulated by the Centre for Disease Control & prevention(CDC) in 2001 for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. Results: In 2018, a total of 265 AFP cases were registered. The mean age was 65 months (range 01 - 180 months). 59 % (n=157) were male children. 58% of cases were under 05 year's age. Standardized case definition and data format with simple information flow was found. System was flexible enough to incorporate measles and neonatal tetanus cases since 2009. Data quality was excellent (100% zero and monthly reports). A close coordination was observed amongst all relevant stakeholders. Sensitivity was 200%. No polio case was identified and therefore, PPV was zero. Majority of cases were reported by public sector (93%).Sufficient financial as well as skilled human resources were available and hence system found stable. Timeliness of reporting found 90%. Conclusion: The performance of AFP surveillance system in AJ&K is up to the mark. However, there is constant threat of reintroduction of polio virus from adjacent area of Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Highly vigilant AFP surveillance system with capacity of rapid response is the solution. Furthermore, it is vital to sustain the AFP Surveillance till the goal of global polio eradication is achieved.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
John Tetteh ◽  
Wisdom Kwami Takramah ◽  
Martin Amogre Ayanore ◽  
Augustine Adoliba Ayanore ◽  
Elijah Bisung ◽  
...  

About 22% of childhood deaths in developing countries are attributable to diarrhea. In poor resource settings, diarrhea morbidities are correlated with poverty and socio-contextual factors. Diarrhea rates in Ghana are reported to be high, with cases estimated at 113,786 among children under-five years in 2011. This study analyzed the trends of diarrhea morbidity outcomes in the Jasikan District of Ghana. A retrospective analysis of records on diarrhea data for a five years’ period (January 2012 to December 2016) was undertaken. There was a total of 17740 diarrhea case reports extracted from District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) II database in an Excel format which was then exported to Stata version 14 for data cleaning, verification, and analysis. Excel version 2016 was used to plot the actual observed cases by years to assess trends and seasonality. There was a period incidence rate of 272.02 per 1000 persons with a decreasing annual growth rate of 1.85%. Declines for diarrhea generally occurred from November to December and increased from January upwards, evidence that most cases of diarrhea in this study were reported in the harmattan season. High incidence of diarrhea was found to be common among under-five children and among females. Decreasing trend of diarrhea incidence which was identified in this research within the five years’ period understudied shows that, by the year 2020, there will be a sharp decline in the incidence rate of diarrhea reported cases in Jasikan District, given improvements in the external environmental conditions in the district, all things being equal.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Usman yahya Umar ◽  
Mikha'il Abdu Abubakar ◽  
Imam Wada Bello ◽  
Muhammad Shakir Balogun ◽  
Sadiq Tahir ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundLassa fever (LF) is one of the priority diseases under surveillance through the integrated disease surveillance and response system (IDSR). We evaluated the LF surveillance system against its set objectives and assessed its attributes. MethodsWe used cross-sectional study design. Forty-seven stakeholders involved in the surveillance system were interviewed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. The LF surveillance data from January 2015 to December 2018 were also analyzed. The attribute and objectives of the system were evaluated. ResultsOut of the 76 suspected cases recorded in kano state during the study period, only 54 samples were laboratory tested, 11 of them were confirmed positive with 9 deaths (case fatality rate of 82%). Confirmed cases were predominantly in Tudun Wada LGA (63.6%), while the age-group 20-39 years constituted 55% of the confirmed cases. There was male preponderance of cases (73%). The predictive value positive (PVP) was 14.5%. The surveillance system was however meeting its objectives of determining LF burden and detecting and characterizing cases and outbreak.ConclusionLF surveillance system in Kano was simple, flexible, stable, acceptable and timely. However, data was not representative. We recommended improved reporting from private and tertiary facilities and more personnel training and support to improve the system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Levin ◽  
Rebecca Potter ◽  
Kemi Tesfazghi ◽  
Saysana Phanalangsy ◽  
Phally Keo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Private sector malaria programmes contribute to government-led malaria elimination strategies in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar by increasing access to quality malaria services and surveillance data. However, reporting from private sector providers remains suboptimal in many settings. To support surveillance strengthening for elimination, a key programme strategy is to introduce electronic surveillance tools and systems to integrate private sector data with national systems, and enhance the use of data for decision-making. During 2013–2017, an electronic surveillance system based on open source software, District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), was implemented as part of a private sector malaria case management and surveillance programme. The electronic surveillance system covered 16,000 private providers in Myanmar (electronic reporting conducted by 200 field officers with tablets), 710 in Cambodia (585 providers reporting through mobile app), and 432 in Laos (250 providers reporting through mobile app). Methods The purpose of the study was to document the costs of introducing electronic surveillance systems and mobile reporting solutions in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar, comparing the cost in different operational settings, the cost of introduction and maintenance over time, and assessing the affordability and financial sustainability of electronic surveillance. The data collection methods included extracting data from PSI’s financial and operational records, collecting data on prices and quantities of resources used, and interviewing key informants in each setting. The costing study used an ingredients-based approach and estimated both financial and economic costs. Results Annual economic costs of electronic surveillance systems were $152,805 in Laos, $263,224 in Cambodia, and $1,310,912 in Myanmar. The annual economic cost per private provider surveilled was $82 in Myanmar, $371 in Cambodia, and $354 in Laos. Cost drivers varied depending on operational settings and number of private sector outlets covered in each country; whether purchased or personal mobile devices were used; and whether electronic (mobile) reporting was introduced at provider level or among field officers who support multiple providers for case reporting. Conclusion The study found that electronic surveillance comprises about 0.5–1.5% of national malaria strategic plan cost and 7–21% of surveillance budgets and deemed to be affordable and financially sustainable.


10.2196/19712 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e19712
Author(s):  
May Oo Lwin ◽  
Jiahui Lu ◽  
Anita Sheldenkar ◽  
Chitra Panchapakesan ◽  
Yi-Roe Tan ◽  
...  

Background Existing studies have suggested that internet-based participatory surveillance systems are a valid sentinel for influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance. However, there is limited scientific knowledge on the effectiveness of mobile-based ILI surveillance systems. Previous studies also adopted a passive surveillance approach and have not fully investigated the effectiveness of the systems and their determinants. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of a mobile-based surveillance system of ILI, termed FluMob, among health care workers using a targeted surveillance approach. Specifically, this study evaluated the effectiveness of the system for ILI surveillance pertaining to its participation engagement and surveillance power. In addition, we aimed to identify the factors that can moderate the effectiveness of the system. Methods The FluMob system was launched in two large hospitals in Singapore from April 2016 to March 2018. A total of 690 clinical and nonclinical hospital staff participated in the study for 18 months and were prompted via app notifications to submit a survey listing 18 acute respiratory symptoms (eg, fever, cough, sore throat) on a weekly basis. There was a period of study disruption due to maintenance of the system and the end of the participation incentive between May and July of 2017. Results On average, the individual submission rate was 41.4% (SD 24.3%), with a rate of 51.8% (SD 26.4%) before the study disruption and of 21.5% (SD 30.6%) after the disruption. Multivariable regression analysis showed that the adjusted individual submission rates were higher for participants who were older (<30 years, 31.4% vs 31-40 years, 40.2% [P<.001]; 41-50 years, 46.0% [P<.001]; >50 years, 39.9% [P=.01]), ethnic Chinese (Chinese, 44.4% vs non-Chinese, 34.7%; P<.001), and vaccinated against flu in the past year (vaccinated, 44.6% vs nonvaccinated, 34.4%; P<.001). In addition, the weekly ILI incidence was 1.07% on average. The Pearson correlation coefficient between ILI incidence estimated by FluMob and that reported by Singapore Ministry of Health was 0.04 (P=.75) with all data and was 0.38 (P=.006) including only data collected before the study disruption. Health care workers with higher risks of ILI and influenza such as women, non-Chinese, allied health staff, those who had children in their households, not vaccinated against influenza, and reported allergy demonstrated higher surveillance correlations. Conclusions Mobile-based ILI surveillance systems among health care workers can be effective. However, proper operation of the mobile system without major disruptions is vital for the engagement of participants and the persistence of surveillance power. Moreover, the effectiveness of the mobile surveillance system can be moderated by participants’ characteristics, which highlights the importance of targeted disease surveillance that can reduce the cost of recruitment and engagement.


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