Factors Influencing Performance of Intergrated Disease Surveillance and Response System in Public Health Facilities in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: The recent outbreaks of global infectious diseases outbreaks have underscored the importance of fortifying public health systems in addressing health impacts. Effective control of these illnesses requires well-functioning surveillance systems. The study aimed at determining the factors influencing the performance of IDSR System in public health facilities in Nairobi County, Kenya. It focused on identifying and comprehending the diverse health system factors that affect the efficiency of the IDSR System. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The study involved 113 HCWs stratified sampled across PH health facilities in six sub-counties that were purposively sampled. All statistical analysis was implemented using IBM SPSS version 25 software. Results: Key barriers identified included inadequate policy guidelines, insufficient funding, bureaucratic challenges, and limited workforce capacity. The logistic regression analysis showed that policy-related barriers and workforce capacity had significant effects on the IDSR system’s performance, indicating that improving these areas could enhance overall surveillance and response effectiveness. Conclusion: The performance of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system in Nairobi County is influenced by a combination of policy-related barriers, workforce capacity issues, and the utilization of surveillance data. Addressing these factors can significantly improve the functionality of the IDSR system. Recommendations: Nairobi County’s health facilities focus on addressing policy-related barriers by establishing clear guidelines and ensuring consistent funding for the IDSR system. Strengthening workforce capacity through regular training, mentorship, and improved supervision is essential to enhance data collection and reporting. Furthermore, efforts should be made to improve data utilization by ensuring timely reporting and effective feedback mechanisms.