Priority Setting of Implementation Research Questions to Strengthen Immunization Data Systems for Equitable Immunization Coverage in Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim: This paper presents stakeholders’ prioritization of implementation research questions for strengthening immunization data systems and improving immunization coverage in Nigeria. Methods: The methods used were document review and stakeholder consultation workshop. Twenty-four routine immunization stakeholders from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and the federal level participated in the workshop. A modified nominal group technique was used to generate a list of implementation research questions, which were then ranked in order of importance on a five-point Likert scale. There were two rounds of ranking based on six criteria—answerability, feasibility, affordability, potential for translation, ethics, and potential for impact. The mean of criteria scores was calculated for each question. Results: A comprehensive list of 81 priority research questions was generated. Their scores ranged from 154 to 253 in the first round of ranking, and from 106 to 260 in the second round. The top three research priorities for strengthening immunization data and information systems in Nigeria are (i) How can poor data management and utilization for decision-making be minimized? (ii) How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected immunization data and information systems, and what strategies can be used to mitigate the effect of the pandemic on immunization coverage and data systems? (iii) How can training and retraining in data management be made feasible and available at the local government level for immunization and M&E officers?. Conclusion: This process resulted in the identification of high-priority research questions that would generate relevant evidence for improving routine immunization data and information systems in Nigeria.