Health workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices on reporting adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background : Reporting of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) is not the sole responsibility of health workers providing routine immunization services, but also of health workers providing clinical treatments and working in other health units. This study aimed to assess health workers ’ level of knowledge as well as reporting attitudes and practices on AEFI in Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods : A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sampling method was used to recruit Primary Health Care workers in four Local Government Areas (LGAs). A self-reported questionnaire was adapted from a previous study and used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on AEFI. Results : A total of 178 participants were recruited for this study. However, 158 respondents provided complete data and were included in the fi nal statistical analysis. Overall, 64.6% (n ¼ 102) respondents had good knowledge, 96.2% (n ¼ 152) had positive attitudes, and 57.0% (n ¼ 90) had good practices on AEFI. Respondents ’ age group, direct involvement in routine immunization, and duration of practice were signi fi cantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.005). There was a signi fi cant relationship between knowledge, gender, and AEFI practices (p < 0.005). Conclusions : Although respondents in this study had good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices towards AEFI surveillance and reporting, this study also revealed some critical gaps in the categorization of serious AEFIs and in the timeliness of reporting of AEFI cases. Frequent training of health workers, supportive supervision, and on-the-job mentoring of health workers are recommended to ultimately improve the AEFI surveillance system.