Health Information System for Real-time Tracking and Surveillance of Tb Disease Control Efforts

Abstract

Kenya has struggled to build a health information system that can efficiently improve the delivery of quality health services to its population. The Demographic and Health Surveys have shown persistently high morbidity and mortality rates from Tuberculosis (TB) disease. At present, the country lacks a comprehensive spatially referenced disease database for Tuberculosis. With lack of such a crucial disease database, it has become quite difficult to fully identify and map the disease prevalence across the country. In addition, lack of such limits the identification, prioritization, and surveillance of the disease and the patients. The primary objective of this research was to design a more comprehensive TB disease geo-database that links to a dynamic web-based platform for TB surveillance and tracking in Juja Sub County. The specific objectives of this research were; to assess the magnitude and spatial prevalence of TB disease as reported in health facilities of Juja Sub County; to examine health facilities’ TB registry Information Systems in developing a geo-referenced TB database from the existing TB patient registry records; to assess gaps in the type of TB patient’s health information recorded in the existing TB registry, to design a spatially referenced TB database on a Web platform with a reporting system for TB surveillance and tracking and finally to create thematic maps to facilitate visualization of TB cases and aid in monitoring health facilities. This study used a retrospective study design to investigate all reported cases of TB from the year 2015 to 2017 in the TB register of health facilities of Juja Sub County. Two main data collection approaches were used; Spatial mapping of health facilities using GPS and Health facilities assessment using a geo-coded questionnaire. Data collection entailed carrying out key experts interviews in order to get first-hand information. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS while spatial data analysis was done using ArcGIS mapping software. Finally, a functional integrated TB disease database was developed linked to a reporting module to help tracking and surveillance of TB disease. Keywords: GIS, Tuberculosis, Disease Surveillance, Health Information System, Disease database