Abstract:

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Guinea, where many cases are undetected and untreated. A robust health information system is needed to improve TB case detection and treatment outcomes. DHIS2 (District Health Information Software 2) is a web-based system that collects, analyses and reports data on TB indicators. However, its use and use in Guinea is affected by various factors. We explored these factors using a qualitative survey with health workers and managers who use DHIS2 for TB surveillance. We collected data through a survey with open-ended questions and analysed them using classical content analysis. We conducted a qualitative survey with 35 health workers and managers who use DHIS2 for TB surveillance at different levels of the health system in Guinea. We collected data through an online survey with open-ended questions and analysed them using classical content analysis with NVivo software. We identified four main themes: technical issues (such as internet connection, data synchronisation, and validation rules), data quality issues (such as data validation, data aberrations, and data completeness), training and support issues (such as data analysis techniques, online training, orientation on DHIS2), and organisational issues (such as integration of community data, standardisation of data elements, meetings for data validation). We discussed how these findings could inform the improvement of DHIS2 for TB surveillance in Guinea and other similar settings.

Keywords: DHIS2, Health information system, Surveillance, Tuberculosis, Qualitative study.

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