Socio-medical and Demographic Hindering Blockades in Implementation of Expanded Program on Immunization among Mothers Working in Brick Kilns: a Study of District Vehari, Pakistan

Abstract

The present research was designed to determine the socio-medical and demographic hindering blockades in the implementation of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) among mothers working in brick kilns of district Vehari, Pakistan. A mixed methodology was used to find out the viewpoints of mothers working in brick kilns (N=105) and nearby village dwellers (N=23) about the study phenomenon. The results of the survey method divulged that younger age, low education level, nuclear family structure, and low familial monthly income were the major demographic hindering blockades in implementation of EPI program among the respondents. Additionally, the participants also mentioned that non-awareness (n=81), lack of accessibility (n=94), inadequate information about vaccinators (n=72), extensive working conditions of mothers during pregnancy (n=99), non-accessibility of mothers during EPI coverage (n=74), deprivation of zero OPV and BCG dosage after birth (N=61, N=70 respectively) and native believe of mothers that EPI is non-effective and disease-oriented (n=69) were the major socio-medical hindering blockades in implementation of EPI among the targeted mothers. During Informal Discussions (IDs), the village dwellers reported that illiteracy, language barriers, and cultural myths were the major obstructing undercurrents in the implementation of EPI program in the study milieu. Regular training and awareness programs along with enhancing the technical knowledge, communication skills, and behavioral conduct of vaccinators were the major recommendations that can improve the implementation of EPI program among brick kiln workers of study locale.