INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIO-PROFESSIONAL FACTORS ON THE REPORTING OF ACUTE FLACCID PARALYSIS CASES BY HEALTH WORKERS IN THE SOUTH CENTRAL REGION OF BURKINA FASO

Abstract

Background: Polio surveillance through the reporting of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in children under 5 years of age is crucial for its eradication. This study assesses the impact of knowledge and socio-professional factors on the reporting of AFP cases by health workers in the South Central region.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted from 2 to 24 January 2023 on 268 health workers in the South-Central region.

Results: Of the participants, 47% had received training on AFP surveillance and 65.7% had adequate knowledge of the case definition. Only 29.1% reported having reported at least one case of AFP in the past three years. Knowledge of sample collection standards was adequate in 73.1% of participants. Reporting varied by district (OR = 4.88 for District 2 and OR = 3.91 for District 3). Staff with more than 10 years of experience report more (OR = 2.50), while those working in maternity wards report less (OR = 0.11). Knowledge of harvest standards is a key factor (OR = 4.53).

Conclusion: The AFP surveillance, while important, is carried out vertically, which could limit its effectiveness. The disparities observed between the districts require an in-depth study to improve the organization of the poliomyelitis surveillance program.