Information feedback to local communities of HDSS sites using infographics: the case of niakhar HDSS site

Abstract

Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) sites are institutions that primarily collect periodic demographic and health related data within a defined geographical area. The data are then analysed and the research findings are published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at conferences and workshops. However, In some sites there are processes for disseminating the research findings to the participating communities. The dissemination of research findings using infographics can enable health care service providers and community decision makers to make effective use and incorporate such findings into their strategies, policies and planning to improve heath outcome of the population. In this project, we have implemented a visualization web platform that can be used by researchers, community decision makers and public health policy-makers to better identify trends associated with the research findings. We implemented this platform on top of the core HDSS dataset. An Extract Transform and Load (ETL) process feeds processed data to our layer which then provides the requisite utility tools for visualization. We have provided a framework that allows other cohort studies that utilize the HDSS core dataset as baseline data to be plugged in for additional infographics displays. We tested and prototyped our tool using Niakhar HDSS Site core HDSS datasets. The project also provides some generic guidelines that allow this tool to be used in other HDSS sites.