Descriptive review of tuberculosis surveillance systems across the circumpolar regions
Background Tuberculosis is highly prevalent in many Arctic areas. Members of the International Circumpolar Surveillance Tuberculosis (ICS TB) Working Group collaborate to increase knowledge about tuberculosis in Arctic regions. Objective To establish baseline knowledge of tuberculosis surveillance systems used by ICS TB member jurisdictions. Design Three questionnaires were developed to reflect the different surveillance levels (local, regional and national) all 3 were forwarded to the official representative of each of the 15 ICS TB member jurisdictions in 2013. Respondents self identified the level of surveillance conducted in their region and completed the applicable questionnaire. Information collected included surveillance system objectives, case definitions, data collection methodology, storage and dissemination. Results Thirteen ICS TB jurisdictions [Canada (Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavik, Nunavut, Yukon) Finland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Russian Federation (Arkhangelsk, Khanty Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, Yakutia (Sakha Republic) United States (Alaska) voluntarily completed the survey representing 2 local, 7 regional and 4 national levels. Tuberculosis reporting is mandatory in all jurisdictions, and case definitions are comparable across regions. The common objectives across systems are to detect outbreaks, and inform the evaluation/planning of public health programmes and policies. All jurisdictions collect data on confirmed active tuberculosis cases and treatment outcomes; 11 collect contact tracing results. Faxing of standardized case reporting forms is the most common reporting method. Similar core data elements are collected; 8 regions report genotyping results. Data are stored using customized programmes (n=7) and commercial software (n=6) Nine jurisdictions provide monthly, bi annual or annual reports to principally government and/or scientific/medical audiences. Conclusion This review successfully establishes baseline knowledge on similarities and differences among circumpolar tuberculosis surveillance systems. The similarity in case definitions will allow for description of the epidemiology of TB based on surveillance data in circumpolar regions, further study of tuberculosis trends across regions, and recommendation of best practices to improve surveillance activities.
International journal of circumpolar health