Original Article: Timeliness of Reporting in the Community-based Disease Surveillance and Notification System in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Community-based disease surveillance systems (CBSS) help the passive health facility-based systems in providing timely information on the health situations in communities. Objective: To determine the timeliness of reporting in the CBSS in Anambra State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A cross sectional descriptive mix method study of the CBSS in Anambra State was done. Quantitative data were obtained using questionnaires, interviewer- administered on 360 community focal points, selected by multistage sampling technique and were analysed with SPSS version 20. Associations were tested using Chi square, Fisher’s exact and t tests as appropriate at p<0.05. Key informant interviews (KII) were conducted among some officers involved in Disease Surveillance and Notification (DSN), selected using convenience sampling technique and data were transcribed verbatim, thematic content analysis done with key quotes noted. Results: The timeliness of reporting was 82.9%. There were associations between timeliness of reporting and person the detected disease was notified to, means through which the detected disease was notified and availability of supervisors for focal points (p ≤ 0.05). Notification of diseases through means other than phone calls / SMS were 2.5 times more likely to be more timely, while focal points who had supervisors were 4 times more likely to notify diseases more timely. The KII findings, showed that the commonest reason for sub-optimal functioning of the CBSS was lack of funds. Conclusions: This study revealed high level of timeliness of reporting of notifiable diseases, and sub-optimal functioning of the CBSS. There is need for improvement in the means of case notification, training cum supervision of the focal points and funding m the CBSS in the State.