Knowledge, Perception and Reporting Attitude of Adverse Effects Following Immunization among Primary Healthcare Workers in Sabon Gari Local Government Area Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background:Although vaccines currently approved for routine childhood immunization are safe and effective, frequent adverse events following immunization (AEFI) often cause ill-health and sometimes loss of public trust in immunization programs. This study assessed the level of knowledge, perception, and reporting attitude of primary healthcare (PHC) workers of AEFI in Sabon Gari local government area of Kaduna state.Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional survey using simple random sample method was used to select 110 PHC workers. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.Results:Majority (92.2%) knew about AEFI and over 80% of the healthcare workers had been trained on AEFI and knew signs and symptoms of AEFI. More than 50% of respondents had good knowledge on AEFI but only 17.8% had good reporting practices. Sixty-six percent of healthcare workers had encountered an AEFI and 56.7% had ever reported an AEFI. There was a statistically significant relationship between age of healthcare workers (P= 0.001), previous training (P= 0.036), working experience (P= 0.001), and knowledge on AEFIs.Conclusion:The study revealed that PHC workers had good knowledge, perception, and reporting attitude toward AEFI surveillance. There is a need for training and retraining of staff as well as provision of internet access to ease electronic reporting system of AEFI surveillance.