Knowledge and Competencies of Vaccinators on Routine Childhood Vaccination in Ghana

Abstract

Background: The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), since its inception in 1974, has helped avert about 2-3 million deaths annually. In Ghana, there is inadequate information on the transition from knowledge acquired in the classroom to practice among vaccinators. This study seeks to provide evidence on the level of knowledge and competencies of vaccinators in Ghana. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling technique was employed to select 110 eligible subjects from health facilities in two districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Data were collected in real time using standardised tools, uploaded on the Open Data Kit (ODK), and subsequently exported to STATA 13.0 for statistical analysis. Results: Seventy two percent (72.73%) of respondents were from urban health facilities. Community Health Nurses constituted majority of respondents 83.09%. Sixty-five percent (65.46%) of participants had less than five years’ experience in vaccination. BCG was correctly identified by 91.82% of respondents as a single dose vaccine and yellow fever by 89.09%. Pentavalent, rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccine were correctly identified by 91.82%, 82.73% and 82.73% respectively as multiple dose vaccines. Ninety seven percent (97.27%) of respondents correctly mentioned pentavalent as having its first dose administered at 6 weeks. 98.18% correctly indicated pentavalent and pneumococcal as given intramuscularly whereas 92.27% identified OPV and rotavirus as given orally. Eighty-eight percent (88.18%) of respondents knew vaccine temperature charting is required twice a day. Conclusion: The study revealed gaps in the principles of vaccine handling and administration. A critical need for routine assessment and refresher training for population where vaccination is conducted by different level of training.