Background: Community-based disease surveillance systems (CBSS) are initiated to complement the health facility-based surveillance systems. The timeliness and completeness of reporting, CBSS as well as knowledge of CBSS among focal points, have been noted to influence the effectiveness of CBSS. However, some independent predictors, may play roles in the functionality of the CBSS. This study determines the key factors affecting the effectiveness of CBSS in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 360 community -based focal points in the State, selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were obtained by interview using pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaires, except data on completeness of reporting which were obtained using observation checklist. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Tests of statistical significance were done using Fishers exact, chi-square cum t tests, ANOVA and binary logistic regression as appropriate. Level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The timeliness of reporting was (82.9%) with a completeness of (28.1%). The independent predictors of the functionality of the CBSS were means through which detected diseases were notified, availability of supervisors for focal points, keeping of records and giving feedback to the communities. Conclusions: The index study reported high level of timeliness and poor completeness of reporting, as well as predictors of the sub-optimally functional CBSS in the State. There is need for sustained training and supervision of focal points, improved record keeping cum means of disease notification, and efficient feedback mechanism to the CBSS in Anambra State.
Background: While so much resources and effort are directed towards solving the challenges of pregnant women so as to achieve safe health for mother and child, it seems that the maternal and child health index has recorded very little improvement despite all input. Not many have recognized that a vast majority of such challenges could have been prevented at preconception. Preconception care has remained unexplored in Nigeria. Objective: To determine the awareness and acceptance rate of preconception care in Nigeria. Methods: This is a cross sectional study among female undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. A multi stage sampling technique was employed to select respondents from different faculties among whom a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was distributed and the data analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 20.0, for rates and 95%Confidence intervals (95%CIs). Results: A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed with a response rate of 90.3% (542/600). The study showed a low awareness rate of 28.2% (95%CI=23.9-33.1%), but an acceptance rate of 53.1% (95%CI=47.2-56.4%), for preconception care. Electronic media was the most source of awareness while the benefit of improved maternal and child health was the main motivating factor behind acceptance of preconception care. Conclusion: Preconception care still remains a relatively unknown aspect of maternal health services in Nigeria. Adequate awareness will bring significant improvement in its practice in Nigeria especially among female undergraduates.
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