Evaluation of Inputs in Surveillance System of Suspect Tuberculosis Case Finding at Community Health Centers, Palu, Central Sulawesi

Background: The World Health Organization goal for tuberculosis (TB) control is to detect 70% of new, smear-positive TB cases and cure 85% of these cases. The case detection rate is the number of reported cases per 100,000 persons per year divided by the estimated incidence rate per 100,000 per year. Indonesia especially Palu still has a low detection rate of TB. This study aimed to investigate the evaluation of inputs in surveillance system of suspect TB case finding at community health centers (puskesmas), Palu, Central Sulawesi.
Subjects and Method: This was a qualitative study conducted at community health center, Palu, Central Sulawesi. Several informants were selected for this study included: head of puskesmas, TB officer, TB laboratory officer, and TB disease management program manager of Palu City Health Office. The theme of this study was evaluation of inputs in surveillance system of suspect tuberculosis case finding. The data were collected by in depth interview, focus group discussion, and document review. The data was analyzed by descriptively.
Results: Various problems existed within the input of TB surveillance system, including man, money, material, method, and market. Some health workers showed incompetency that calls for appropriate training. Some showed low performance in TB case finding. Tasks were not distributed fairly to all health workers. The tasks were not assigned according to the competency of the health worker. Collaboration with related sectors, private sector, and community organizations was lacking.
Conclusion: The surveillance input system for TB control, particurlarly TB case finding, at community health centers was not optimal.