Private healthcare facilities (PvHF) play a significant role in detecting and managing epidemic-prone diseases, serving as the initial point of healthcare contact in communities. Despite their significance, PvHF reports contribute minimally to the surveillance system. This study assessed practices, challenges, and strategies to improve epidemic-prone disease reporting in PvHF in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. Forty-four PvHFs were assessed and 198 healthcare workers (HCWs) in these facilities were interviewed in this cross-sectional study. In addition, key informants and in-depth interviews were conducted to identify challenges and strategies to improve reporting. Descriptive analysis was performed on quantitative data while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Eighteen out of forty-four private healthcare facilities visited ever-reported epidemic-prone diseases. Non-availability of IDSR forms (48.8%), lack of feedback (51.2%), lack of funds (34.1%), and lack of time (26.8%) were the major challenges encountered. Supervisory visits (53.6%), use of mobile apps (64.9%), SMS as reminders (24.5%), and use of phone calls to report (21.2%) were outlined by respondents as strategies and recommendations to improve epidemic-prone disease reporting. Private healthcare facilities practiced poor epidemic-prone disease reporting. Findings underscore the need for training, re-training, and supervision to enhance reporting practices in PvHFs while emphasizing the importance of regular feedback.

Keywords: Epidemic-prone diseases, surveillance, private healthcare facilities, knowledge, practice