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Predictors of vaccine management practices among primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria


H.A. Ameen
A.G. Salaudeen
O.I. Musa
S.A. Aderibigbe
T.M. Akande
K Ameen

Abstract

Objective: Worldwide, vaccines are becoming more expensive as new ones are being introduced to the immunization schedule. Inspite of this, researches have revealed poor vaccine management practices among health workers. This study aimed to determine the predictors of vaccine management practices among PHCWs providing routine immunization services in static health facilities in Ilorin, north central Nigeria.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 216 intervention and 241 control groups of PHCWs using multi stage sampling technique; pretested questionnaire and an observational checklist. Data were analyzed using EPI-INFO software package. Level of significance was predetermined at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results: The mean age of study respondents was 38.5 ± 9.5 years. Factors having positive influence on vaccine management practices include prior training exposure (p = 0.001), years of experience in immunization (p = 0.012) and baseline knowledge of vaccine management (p = 0.015). In addition, regularity of supervisory visit (0.008), adequacy/regularity of vaccine supply (p = 0.001), vaccine 'bundling' (p = 0.013) and type of health facility (p = 0.005) positively influenced respondents' vaccine management practices. However, basic qualification of health workers (p = 0.096) and availability of data tools (p = 0.628) had no significant influence on respondents' vaccine management practices.

Conclusion: Training exposure and years of experience in routine immunization have positive influence on vaccine management practices of PHCWs. On-the-job supervision of health workers should be conducted at least bi-annually.

Keywords: Predictors, Vaccine management practices, PHCWs


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eISSN: 2467-8252
print ISSN: 2360-7793