The effect of training and provision of logistic support on disease surveillance and notification system in private health facilities in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Rapid notification of infectious diseases is essential for prompt public health actions and monitoring disease trends at local, state and national levels. Disease surveillance is the backbone of Health Management Information system (HMIS). The study assessed the effect of training and provision of IDSR forms on disease surveillance and response in selected private hospitals in Enugu state. Methodology: The study was a quasi-experimental study that compared the study and control groups “before and after” an intervention (training and provision of IDSR forms). The intervention group received training and supplies if IDSR forms while the control group did not. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 400 participants from one hundred and four private hospitals in eight selected LGAs in Enugu East and Enugu North Senatorial Districts. Baseline data were collected followed by intervention. After six months waiting period post-intervention data were collected. A Questionnaire and observational checklist were used. Pearson and McNemar chi-square tests were employed. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.005. Result: At baseline, most knowledge and practice variables were poor (< 50%). The mean score of knowledge and practice between the groups at baseline was not significant (knowledge p=0.203 and practice p= 0.138). However, six months post-intervention there were significant increases in proportion for both knowledge and practice for study (McNemarχ2 p < 0.001) but not so control group. There was no statistically significant association of knowledge and practice with socio-demographic characteristics for both groups. Conclusion: Training of HCWs and provision of IDSR forms caused significant improvement in both knowledge and practice of disease notification and reporting in the private healthcare sector.

Keywords

• integrated disease surveillance and response forms
• knowledge
• notification
• practice
• surveillance
• training