Conference Abstract | Volume 9, Abstract 052 (ConfProc7) | Published: 30 Jun 2026
Binta Bah1, Fortress Yayra Aku2, Blessing Enorioware Uteh1, Robert Macarthy1, Chrysantus Kubio3, Joseph Yaw Jerela3, Matthew Ayamba Adam3, Charles Noora Lwanga1, Donne Ameme1, Samuel Sackey1, Ernest Kenu1
1Ghana FELTP, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana, 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Bonus School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, 3Ghana Health Service
&Corresponding author: Binta Bah; Ghana FELTP, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana, Email: bintamubah@gmail.com
Received: 29 Aug 2025, Accepted: 28 Oct 2025, Published: 30 Jun 2026
Domain: Mental Health
Keywords: Schizophrenia, mental health, evaluation, Ghana
©Binta Bah et al. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cite this article: Binta Bah et al. Evaluation of schizophrenia surveillance system, Adaklu District, Volta Region, Ghana, 2025. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2026;9(ConfProc7):052. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO7-0052
Schizophrenia is a major public health concern, causing severe symptoms, disabilities, and death worldwide. In 2019, an estimated 1 in 300 people suffered from Schizophrenia globally, yet surveillance systems for mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries remain underdeveloped. In Ghana, data on Schizophrenia are reported from health facilities through the District Health Information System; however, it’s not included in the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response guideline. This study evaluated the usefulness and attributes of the Schizophrenia Surveillance System in the Adaklu District, Ghana.
We adapted the updated Centre for Disease Control and Prevention guideline for surveillance system evaluation to interview stakeholders and review data from facility registers, reporting forms, and District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) from 2020–2024. We scored variables using a Likert scale (1 for least response and 5 for the highest or maximum response). Scores were cumulated and expressed as percent. We interpreted cumulative scores as poor (<50%), moderate (50-80%), or excellent/good (>80%).
Between 2020 and 2024, 379 cases of schizophrenia-related conditions were detected. The system reported timeliness (98%), representativeness (100%), simplicity (83%), and flexibility (80%). The system scored (70%) on usefulness, (70%) stability, (45%) acceptability and (63%) data quality. The system experienced interruptions due to staff leave, lack of reporting tools, and acceptability, inconsistent use of case definitions, lack of standardized diagnostic tools, staff turnover, and limited stakeholder engagement.
Overall, the system was moderately useful, partially meeting its objectives and performing well in terms of timeliness, simplicity, and flexibility. However, acceptability and data quality require improvement. We recommend strengthening standardization of case definitions, enhancing supportive supervision, ensuring regular feedback, and integrating treatment adherence indicators into the DHIMS to improve performance. Findings highlight the need for sustained investment in mental health surveillance to guide effective interventions and policy in Ghana.
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