Study targets barriers to disease surveillance, reporting in Asia Pacific

Behavioral insights and key predictors

Researchers applied two psychological frameworks: the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Integrative Model of Organizational Trust. These helped explain how intentions are shaped.

The survey reached 136 delegates and focal points. Eighty-two valid responses were analyzed across 19 behavioral and organizational measures.

Three factors strongly influenced notification intention:

• Organizational capability
• Organizational knowledge
• Perceived behavioral control

These factors are modifiable, and improving them can enhance notification outcomes.

Trust in trading partners did not affect notification intention. This may reflect varied perceptions of trade risk among respondents. The importance of animal production and health also showed no link to notification behavior.

Attitudes toward notification were highly positive across the study population. Respondents also reported strong social norms and consistently high perceived benefits of timely reporting.

Barriers and recommendations

The study identified three main barriers:

• Diagnosis and laboratory confirmation
• Decision-making and administrative processes
• Surveillance and reporting system limitations

Focus groups helped define practical actions to address these barriers. Thirteen actions were group into seven recommendations:

• Support diagnostic capability of national laboratories
• Enhance surveillance systems and capacity
• Review WOAH PVS Pathway for notification emphasis
• Provide tailored training for delegates and focal points
• Create fit-for-purpose guidance and resources
• Recognize strong notification performance
• Establish a system to monitor notification compliance

Next steps toward a shared culture

The study offers new insights into what drives notification. A strength-based approach is recommended to build a shared culture of timely reporting.

Implementation of these recommendations will require agreement and collaboration among WOAH and its member states in the region.