scholarly journals Evaluation of the Measles Surveillance System in Kaduna State, Nigeria (2010-2012)

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Celestine Attah Ameh ◽  
Muawiyyah Babale Sufiyan ◽  
Matthew Jacob ◽  
Endie Ndadilnasiya Waziri ◽  
Adebola T Olayinka
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Progressive Decline ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Case Based ◽  
Median Interval

ObjectiveTo evaluate the case-based Measles surveillance system in Kaduna State of Nigeria and identify gaps in its operation.Introduction In Africa, approximately 13 million cases of measles and 650,000 deaths occur annually, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest morbidity and mortality (1). Measles infection is endemic in Nigeria and has been documented to occur all year round despite high measles routine and supplemental immunisation coverage (2,3). The frequent outbreaks of Measles in Kaduna State prompted the need for the evaluation of the Measles case-based surveillance system.Methods We interviewed stake holders and  adapted the updated 2001 CDC guidelines on surveillance evaluation to assess the systems usefulness, representativeness, timeliness, stability and acceptability. A retrospective record review of the measles case-based surveillance data from 2010– 2012 was carried out to assess data quality and representativeness. We calculated the annualized detection rate of measles and non-measles febrile rash, proportion of available results, proportion of Districts (LGAs) that investigated at least one case with blood, proportion of cases that were IgM positive and the incidence of measles. We compared the results with WHO (2004) recommended performance indicators to determine the quality and effectiveness of measles surveillance system. Results According to the Stake holders, the case-based surveillance system is useful and acceptable. Median interval between specimen collection and release of result was 38  days (Range: 16 – 109) in 2011, 11 days (Range: 1 – 105) in 2012. The best median turnaround time of 7days (1 – 25) was recorded in 2010. The annualized detection rate of measles rash in 2011 was 1.0 (target: ≥2), in 2012 it was 1.4 (target: ≥2). The annualized detection rate of non-measles febrile rash in 2011 was 0.6 (target: ≥2) while it was 0.8 (target: ≥2) in 2012. Case definitions are simple and understood by all the operators. We found a progressive decline in  timeliness and data quality in the years under review.ConclusionThis evaluation showed that the surveillance system was still useful. Also, the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory component as captured by the “median interval between specimen collection and the release of results improved in 2010 and 2012 compared to 2011. However, there was a progressive decline in the timeliness and completeness of weekly reports in the years under review.Keywords:  Measles; Case-based; Surveillance; Evaluation; Nigeria

scholarly journals Evaluation of Measles Surveillance System amidst Covid – 19 pandemic in Asutifi North District, Ahafo Region, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sekyere Stephen Owusu ◽  
Laar Salam Dam-Park
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Based ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

AbstractBackgroundMeasles is a disease of public health importance earmarked for elimination by all WHO Regions. Globally, more than 140 000 people died from Measles in 2018 affecting mostly children under 5 years, despite the availability of safe and effective vaccine.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. Disease surveillance focal persons were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire on the system operations and use of Measles case definitions. Measles case-based investigation forms from 2015 – 2020 were reviewed for its timeliness and data quality. CDC updated guidelines for surveillance system evaluation was used to assess its usefulness and attributes. Data was analyzed for frequencies and proportions and results presented in tables and graphs.ResultsMeasles surveillance system was timely as 100% (69/69) of the suspected cases were reported on time. Also, the level of representativeness was good as all the 14 health facilities in the District were participating in the Measles Surveillance system. Majority 73.1 (44/60) of the case-based investigation forms filled were incomplete with some columns wrongly filled.ConclusionDespite the outbreak of Covid – 19 with most districts battling with how to contain the virus, measles surveillance system was still meeting its objectives of early detection and prompt reporting but with poor data quality.

scholarly journals A review of data quality of an electronic tuberculosis surveillance system for case-based reporting in Kenya: Table 1

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1095-1097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditya Sharma ◽  
Margaret Ndisha ◽  
Faith Ngari ◽  
Hillary Kipruto ◽  
Kevin P. Cain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Case Based

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Malaria Surveillance System in Kaduna State, Nigeria 2016

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baffa S. Ibrahim ◽  
Aisha A. Abubakar ◽  
Ummulkhulthum A. Bajoga ◽  
Patrick M. Nguku
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Malaria Surveillance ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Mortality Case ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Public Health Surveillance System

ObjectiveTo describe the process of operation of the system and assessits key attributes, to determine the effectiveness and efficiency ofthe surveillance system and make appropriate recommendations tostakeholders for its improvement.IntroductionMalaria is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium falciparum.About 3.2 billion people worldwide are at risk of malaria.1Childrenand pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the disease. Sub-Saharan Africa carries a high share of the global malaria burden.2Effective malaria surveillance system is essential in the control andelimination of malaria. Worldwide, there were an estimated 198million cases of malaria in 2013 and 584,000 deaths.1,3,4MethodsThis study was conducted using the “CDC’s Updated Guidelinesfor Evaluating Public Health Surveillance System, 2001”. Keystakeholders and Malaria Focal Persons were interviewed. IntegratedDisease Surveillance and Response case summary data from Januaryto December 2014 was reviewed. Data analysis was done usingMicrosoft Excel 2016 and Epi-info 7.ResultsThe system provides information on malaria trends, morbidityand mortality. Case definitions are well understood by participants.All Malaria focal persons (MFPs) were willing to continue usingthe system. Standardized data collection tools are available in 91%of Health Facilities (HF). The system was rated flexible by 91%of MFPs. The system was however not representative because datawere essentially from public health facilities only. The system hasan average timeliness of 37.7% and completeness of 59.4%, bothparameters were below the State’s 80% target. About 91% MFPs hadrefresher training, while 78% MFPs received supportive supervision.Main challenges identified were lack of commodities in all HFs, andinadequate mobile facilities in 70% of HFs.ConclusionsThe Kaduna state Malaria surveillance system is meeting itsobjectives. However, challenges are observed in its timeliness,representativeness, and data quality. Efforts should be made tointegrate tertiary and private health facilities into the system. MFPsneed more training on malaria reporting to improve timeliness anddata quality. There is the need to improve on the supply of malariatreatment commodities to all health facilities within Kaduna state.

scholarly journals A cross-case analyses of laboratory professionals-patients interaction for patients accessing laboratory services at University of Cape Coast hospital and Ewim Polyclinic in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Adu
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Laboratory Services ◽  
Staff Interactions ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background There is scarcity of data on experiences of patients who access laboratory services during hospital visits in sub-Saharan Africa. This study sought to evaluate the depth of laboratory professionals-patient interactions during pre- and post-sampling period at two hospitals in Ghana. Methods This study used real time observations of patient-laboratory staff interactions to collect first-hand data. Additionally, two separate sets of semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the experiences of patients and laboratory professionals. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS version 25. Results Inadequate laboratory space is a major factor limiting adequacy of patients-laboratory professionals’ interactions. Overall, even though the laboratory professionals (93.3%) overwhelmingly agreed to the need to inform patients about the turnaround time of the respective laboratory testing, this was not routinely done. Irrespective of patients’ educational attainment, patients were poorly informed about their respective laboratory tests. Although both patients and laboratory professionals (60.0% vs 63.6% respectively) indicated that the test requester has responsibility to inform patients about their laboratory testing, only 29.1% of patients indicated having received such explanations. Furthermore, although 28.1% of patients indicated knowing the specifics of their respective test requisition, only 15% could correctly identify their requested laboratory testing. Conclusion There is the need for standard operating protocols to standardize practitioner-patient interaction at the two facilities. Moreover, there is the need for laboratory staff-test requester engagement to clearly delineate who has what responsibilities regarding informing patients about laboratory testing.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the enterovirus laboratory surveillance system in Denmark, 2010 to 2013

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Orla Condell ◽  
Sofie Midgley ◽  
Claus Bohn Christiansen ◽  
Ming Chen ◽  
Xiaohui Chen Nielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Poliovirus Infection ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Laboratory Results ◽  
Laboratory Surveillance ◽  
Detailed Clinical Information

The primary aim of the Danish enterovirus (EV) surveillance system is to document absence of poliovirus infection. The conflict in Syria has left many children unvaccinated and movement from areas with polio cases to Europe calls for increased awareness to detect and respond to virus-transmission in a timely manner. We evaluate the national EV laboratory surveillance, to generate recommendations for system strengthening. The system was analysed for completeness of viral typing analysis and clinical information and timeliness of specimen collection, laboratory results and reporting of clinical information. Of 23,720 specimens screened, 2,202 (9.3%) were EV-positive. Submission of cerebrospinal fluid and faecal specimens from primary diagnostic laboratories was 79.5% complete (845/1,063), and varied by laboratory and patient age. EV genotypes were determined in 68.5% (979/1,430) of laboratory-confirmed cases, clinical information was available for 63.1% (903/1,430). Primary diagnostic results were available after a median of 1.4 days, typing results after 17 days, detailed clinical information after 33 days. The large number of samples typed demonstrated continued monitoring of EV-circulation in Denmark. The system could be strengthened by increasing the collection of supplementary faecal specimens, improving communication with primary diagnostic laboratories, adapting the laboratory typing methodology and collecting clinical information with electronic forms.

scholarly journals Molecular detection of viral pathogens from suspected viral hemorrhagic fever patients in Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Joseph HK Bonney ◽  
Theodore W Asigbee ◽  
Erasmus Kotey ◽  
Keren Attiku ◽  
Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Standard Case ◽  
Clinical Specimens ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Case Based

Background: Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are infectious illnesses that can cause serious morbidity and mortality to infected persons. During the 2014 Ebola virus disease outbreak in some West African countries, Ghana revamped its surveillance system across the country to prepare, effectively respond and pre-empt any public health concerns Objective: We report on suspected VHF clinical specimens submitted to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) from health facilities across the country for diagnosis within the period under review. This was partly to provide rapid response and to alert the health system to prevent outbreaks and its spread. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018 clinical specimens of blood from 149 cases of suspected VHFs were collected at health facilities across the country and sent to NMIMR. Patient specimens were tested for viral pathogens including Lassa fever, Yellow fever, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika, Ebola and Marburg by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A case was however tested for influenza as the patient exhibited respiratory distress symptoms as well. Demographic and clinical information collected on a structured case-based forms were analyzed for each patient. Results: Out of the 149 clinical specimens tested, three (3) were found to be positive, with two (2) being Dengue and one (1) seasonal Influenza A H1N1. Analysis of the case-based forms revealed shortcomings with regards to standard case definitions used to enroll suspected cases. Conclusion: Our results buttress the need for a routine surveillance activity for VHFs to minimize spread and possibly forestall outbreaks. Moreover, febrile illnesses can be caused by a host of pathogens hence there is a need for enhanced diagnosis to help in patient management.

Five-Year Follow-up of Routine Outpatient Test Turnaround Time: A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 127 (11) ◽  
pp. 1421-1423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Valenstein ◽  
Molly Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Blood Cell Counts ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Similar Survey ◽  
Increase Efficiency

Abstract Context.—Timely reporting of outpatient tests can increase efficiency of care and improve customer satisfaction. Objectives.—We conducted a survey in 2002 to determine how quickly hospital-based laboratories turned around routine requests for 3 common assays and compared the results with a similar survey conducted in 1997. Design.—One hundred eighteen laboratories prospectively recorded the collection-to-verification turnaround time for 9252 complete blood cell counts (CBCs), 8832 thyroid tests, and 9193 basic metabolic panels. Results.—The median facility reported all test results by 7:00 am of the weekday immediately after the date of specimen collection. The bottom 10% of institutions reported 99% of CBCs and basic metabolic panels within 1 day and 60% of thyroid tests within 1 day. The 65 institutions that participated in both the 1997 and 2002 surveys showed significant overall improvement in turnaround time for all 3 types of tests (P < .001). In 2002, federal institutions had significantly slower turnaround times than nonfederal institutions for CBC tests (P < .001), thyroid tests (P = .03), and basic metabolic panels (P < .001). Other demographic and practice variables were not associated with turnaround time. Conclusion.—The turnaround time of routine outpatient tests appears to have improved between 1997 and 2002.

Case Studies in Urban Health

Urban Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 332-341
Author(s):  
Alex Ezeh ◽  
Blessing Mberu
Keyword(s):  
Urban Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Urban Poverty ◽  
Large City ◽  
Demographic Surveillance System ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Poverty And Health ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Improve Health

A project of the Africa Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System was set up to provide a platform to explore the linkages between urban poverty and health and to monitor and evaluate novel implementation programs that were developed with the study communities. In this chapter, the authors draw on nearly two decades of work by APHRC among slum populations in Nairobi, Kenya, to highlight the unique health challenges of slum populations and how these are changing. The chapter summarizes various efforts to improve health in Nairobi’s informal settlements since 2000 and discusses efforts in Nairobi to improve health in a large city in sub-Saharan Africa, summarizing lessons that have been learned in improving urban health worldwide.

scholarly journals Management of chronic respiratory complications in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (157) ◽  
pp. 200054
Author(s):  
Michele Arigliani ◽  
Atul Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Respiratory Complications ◽  
Progressive Decline ◽  
Blood Disorder ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Sub Saharan

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening hereditary blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This condition has a multi-organ involvement and highly vascularised organs, such as the lungs, are particularly affected. Chronic respiratory complications of SCD involve pulmonary vascular, parenchymal and airways alterations. A progressive decline of lung function often begins in childhood. Asthma, sleep-disordered breathing and chronic hypoxaemia are common and associated with increased morbidity. Pulmonary hypertension is a serious complication, more common in adults than in children. Although there is a growing attention towards respiratory care of patients with SCD, evidence regarding the prognostic meaning and optimal management of pulmonary issues in children with this condition is limited.This narrative review presents state-of-the-art evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology and therapeutic options for chronic respiratory complications commonly seen in paediatric patients with SCD. Furthermore, it highlights the gaps in the current knowledge and indicates future directions for studies that aim to improve our understanding of chronic respiratory complications in children with SCD.

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