A cross-sectional survey on awareness, practice of vaccine administration, and cold chain management in a tertiary health center of Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction: The potency of vaccines depends on maintaining the cold chain, that is, a prescribed temperature range during distribution from manufacture to use. The paramedical staff of any hospital plays a pivotal role in cold chain maintenance. Hence, the study aims to assess knowledge and practice of cold chain maintenance of vaccines by paramedical staff. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among paramedical staff in a tertiary health care of western Maharashtra, from June 15, 2019, to August 30, 2019. The data were collected using interview schedule. Results:A total of 115 paramedics were enrolled. The final data analysis was done on 91 respondents. Participants' knowledge about maintenance of refrigerators with respect to place of vaccine storage (54; 59.34%), temperature recording in a day (54; 59.34%), and preferable place of deep freezer (62; 68.13%) was satisfactory. A total of 42 (46.15%) participants had knowledge about shake test; however, only 38 (41.75%) participants knew about demonstration of shake test, suggesting that awareness about testing the frozen vaccine was poor among paramedical staff. Full form and use of vaccine vial monitor (VVM) in participants were satisfactory, being 70 (76.92%) and 59 (64.83%), respectively. Participant's knowledge about correct site and route of administration of vaccines were satisfactory. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the gap in knowledge in cold chain maintenance of the paramedical workers. Regular training may be conducted for the paramedical workers to improve their understanding of the cold chain management.