Problems of Epidemic Surveillance System in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima

Abstract

          The  data of epidemic surveillance records in 2005 of Primary Care Unit (PCU) in Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province showed that the records number 506 were complete only 36% which lower than standard level.  (standard expectation was 80%). Objectives: To search for problems of collecting data of record number 506 and seeking for problems solving by initiating instrument and developing effective process of implementation. Materials and Methods:  This qualitative study was employed, sample were health staff responsible for epidemic system of every PCU in Muang district, totally 29 under supervision of Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Data were collected during February to July 2005. Results: Total number of PCU staff included in this study were 120, most of them (86.7%) had age interval during 21-50 years and mean age was 39.0 ± 6.8 with the range of age 21-59 years. Most of samples were women about 80.8%, their education were bachelors degree 50% with average income 19, 314±5,283 baht per month and they had saved their income 69.2%, most of them were in debt 87.5%. The average population under their responsibility were 7,456 ± 2,691. Each PCU has 4.5± 0.6 staff and at least one of them was assigned to be responsible for epidemic diseases, 75% of such staff had been trained in epidemic diseased surveillance system. The major problems of substandard level practice were 1)  inappropriate transferring of information system that caused delay of disease control and surveillance, 2)  lack of knowledge of PCU staff on epidemic disease surveillance and control 3)  inadequate budget 4)  lack of supervision system and consultant 5)  lack of instruments 6)  lack of development of epidemic disease surveillance and control system in PCU 7) lack of manual for epidemic disease surveillance and control 8)  poor leadership of the chief. Conclusion:  Problems of epidemic disease surveillance and control in PCU in Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima were consisted of personal problem, instruments, budget and practice system.