Evaluation of the Dengue Surveillance System in Health Region 8th, January 1 – December 31, 2023

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study evaluated the dengue surveillance system in Health Region 8, 2023 (January 1 – December 31, 2023). The study aimed to examine the dengue reporting process and assess the quantitative attributes of the surveillance system, including sensitivity, positive predictive value, timeliness, representativeness, and data quality. In addition, the qualitative attributes of the surveillance system were evaluated, including acceptability, simplicity, flexibility, stability, and usefulness. The study was conducted among the Office of Disease Prevention and Control, provincial and district health offices, and hospitals within Health Region 8. A multi-stage sampling approach was used: three provinces Nong Bua Lam Phu, Loei, and Sakon Nakhon were randomly selected, followed by random selection of districts and health facilities within each, spanning both tertiary and secondary care levels, for a total of nine facilities. Based on the case definitions issued by the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control (2020), the quantitative findings showed a system sensitivity of 86.81%, a positive predictive value of 23.25%, and completeness of recorded data on age, sex, and address of 100.00%, with accuracy of recorded age data likewise at 100.00%. In terms of representativeness, data on age and month of illness onset reflected the population appropriately. Reporting timeliness was found to be consistent with the requirements of the Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558 (2015). On the qualitative side, both personnel and administrators within Health Region 8's dengue fever surveillance system demonstrated strong acceptance and recognized the value of disease surveillance. Surveillance data were actively used to communicate and alert on the dengue situation, supporting local areas in monitoring, prevention, and control efforts, as well as in policy planning.