Knowledge and practice of disease surveillance and notification among doctors in Taraba State, North-East Nigeria

Abstract

Recognition and reporting of diseases, most especially communicable diseases, is an important step in the control and prevention of disease spread among individuals, communities and countries. By virtue of their training and leadership position in the healthcare system, doctors are relied upon for driving an effective surveillance and notification system. The study assessed the level of knowledge and practice of disease surveillance and notification among doctors in Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria. It was descriptive cross-sectional in design. Data collection was done using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using Microsoft excel and Epi Info version 7.2.1.0. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ninety respondents  participated in the study. Their mean age was 41.6 ± 9.25 years while the mean years of practice was 12.4 ± 9.51 years. Majority of the respondents (67.8%) had never attended any training on disease surveillance and notification (DSN). Only 41.1% had good knowledge of DSN. Sixty per cent (60.0%) of respondents admitted ever reporting a notifiable disease. Lack of training was identified as the commonest reason (67.5%) for non/poor reporting. Regular training and re-training of doctors was recommended to improve their knowledge and practice of DSN.

Key Words: disease surveillance, notification, doctors, Taraba