Evaluating measles surveillance system, 3 southern border provinces, Thailand, 2013

Abstract

This Study aimed to describe the important characteristics of measles surveillance system. It was carried out in 17 hospitals in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces, southern, Thailand by reviewing re¬ported measles patients from Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2013. The results reveal that the sensitivity of reporting was only 16.4% and predictive value positive (PVP) was 54.0%. The samples could be representative for situation of those in 3 provinces. The data accuracy of variables was varied from 47.6 to 100%. The timeliness of reporting was 93.7%. Qualitative data showed this system had a high acceptability, simplicity and flexibility. In addition, the system was stable. Clear operational suitable was available although officers often report case according to doctor's diagnosis rather than case definition. The data were used for detection outbreak and monitoring interventions for disease prevention and control. For this study, it demonstrated that measles surveillance system in 3 southern border provinces should be strengthened to improve its sensitivity, which would lead to early detection an outbreak and effective disease control.