Healthcare Workers’ Competence in Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) is a strategic approach to addressing the rising burden of diseases and public health threats. With the increasing frequency of disease outbreaks globally, early detection and timely response have become essential. This study assessed healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding IDSR in a health facility in Ogun, Nigeria.

Method: A health facility-based, cross-sectional study, involving 332 healthcare workers (HCWs) selected through a simple random sampling method from January to March 2025. Data were collected using a quantitative method and analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Logistic regression was performed with a statistical significance level of p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from Babcock University Health Research and Ethics Committee.

Result: Mean age of participants was 34.5 ± 11.1 years, and 189 (56.9%) were male. Regarding IDSR, 65.7% had good knowledge, 56% had a good attitude, and 41% had good practices. Factors associated with knowledge include educational qualification (AOR: 0.613, CI 0.444-0.846, p=0.003), years of experience (AOR: 0.568, CI 0.442-0.778, p=0.0001), IDSR forms availability (AOR: 0.443, CI 0.257-0.764, p=0.003), and occupation (AOR: 0.602, CI 0.438-0.828, p=0.002). Years of experience (AOR: 0.722, CI 0.537-0.971, p=0.031) was associated with attitude. Factors associated with practice include educational qualification (AOR: 1.494, CI 1.034-2.073, p=0.032), previous IDSR training (AOR: 10.016, CI 5.070– 23.076, p=0.0001), and IDSR forms availability (AOR: 11.729, CI 6.002-22.922, p=0.0001).

Conclusion: To enhance IDSR implementation, HCWs’ capacity should be strengthened through targeted training and improved availability of IDSR tools to support early detection and response to disease outbreaks.