TITLE:
Evaluation of the Tuberculosis Case Notification System, Mhondoro-Ngezi District, Zimbabwe, 2016
AUTHORS:
Pamela Nyaradzai Magande, Daniel Chirundu, More Mungati, Donewell Bangure, Notion Tafara Gombe, Mufuta Tshimanga
KEYWORDS:
Tuberculosis, Surveillance, Mhondoro-Ngezi, Zimbabwe
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.7 No.1,
December
5,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Zimbabwe was 17th among 22
tuberculosis (TB) high burdened countries. In Zimbabwe, the TB case
notification system tracks data on case detection and treatment. Mhondoro-Ngezi
district was reporting less than half provincial case average of 251 cases per
100,000 population per year. Data were always two weeks late. We evaluated the
surveillance system and determined reasons for low notification. Methods: A
descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using the updated CDC
guidelines. Structured questionnaires, notification registers and forms were
used to collect data. Epi Info 7 was used to calculate means and frequencies.
Results: All 17 facilities providing TB services were selected. Only two of
these were diagnostic centres. Of the 41 health workers, 32 (78%) were nurses.
All facilities were notifying and 38 (93%) of health workers had notified
cases. Notification forms were available at all facilities and were transported
to the district office by government vehicles once completed. Ten minutes on
average were needed to complete a form and this was easy for 89% health
workers. Data were being analysed at facilities by 83% of health workers and
71% took action after analysis. Feedback from district level was being received
by 85% of health workers. The reasons for low notification included: few
diagnostic centres, passive case detection and poor community involvement.
Conclusions: The TB case notification system was acceptable, simple,
representative and useful. Reasons for low notification included: few
diagnostic centres, passive case detection and poor community involvement. As a
result of this evaluation, a third diagnostic centre is being set up.