Knowledge, attitude and practice of vaccinators and vaccine handlers on vaccine cold chain management in public health facilities, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study.

Solomon Ahmed Mohammed,Mesfin Haile Kahissay,Birhanu Demeke Workneh

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0247459

Solomon Ahmed Mohammed, Mesfin Haile Kahissay + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247459

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Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Feb 25, 2021
Citations: 12	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Wollo University

Abstract

BackgroundEffective management of the vaccine cold chain system at all levels is one of the crucial factors for maintaining vaccine potency. Vaccines require more complex handling and storage requirements due to increased temperature sensitivity and complicated immunization schedules. This urges adequate knowledge, attitude, and practice. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of vaccinators and vaccine handlers’ in public health facilities.MethodologyAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of 127 vaccinators and vaccine handlers in public health facilities of Oromia Special Zone, from September 1 to 30, 2019. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and a structured observation checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics were made using the statistical package for social sciences version 20. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were taken as statistically significant.ResultThe response rate was (96.94%). Sixty-eight (53.5%; 95% CI: 46.5%, 61.4%), 58 (45.7%; 95% CI: 37.8%, 53.5%) and 62 (48.8%: 95% CI; 41.7%, 56.7%) vaccinators and vaccine handlers had satisfactory knowledge, positive attitude and good practice respectively. Receiving training on cold chain management had a statistically significant association with the level of knowledge on cold chain management (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.04–8.88).ConclusionsMore than half of vaccinators and vaccine handlers had satisfactory knowledge, while below half of vaccinators and vaccine handlers had a positive attitude and good practice. The determinants of knowledge in cold chain management were receiving training on cold chain management. Providing regular technical support and on the job training on vaccine cold chain management will improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice of vaccinators and vaccine handlers.

Highlights

Vaccination is one of the most powerful and cost-effective of all health interventions [1]
Among the vaccinator and vaccine handlers included in the study, 68 (53.5%) were midwives
Vaccinators and vaccine handlers who earned a salary of 1651–3200 and 3201–5250 birr were about 2.54 (Adjusted OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 0.77–8.38) and1.42 times (Adjusted OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.40–4.96) more likely to have poor cold chain management practice compared to those who earn greater than 5251 Ethiopian birrs (Table 5)

Summary

Introduction

Vaccination is one of the most powerful and cost-effective of all health interventions [1]. The introduction of a new vaccine can have a significant impact on a country’s health system [3] and require new strategies and additional cold storage capacity [4]. Vaccines are sensitive biological products that can be destroyed if handled incorrectly [2]. Exposure to inappropriate conditions can affect the potency of refrigerated vaccine [5]. Vaccines require more complex handling and storage requirements due to increased temperature sensitivity and complicated immunization schedules. This urges adequate training and supervision [6].

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Conclusion