BACKGROUND: Estimates of immunization coverage rates in Ethiopia varied widely, but were consistent in that polio birth dose coverage is much lower than other antigens, particularly in semi-pastoralist and pastoralist areas. OBJECTIVE: Examine pregnancy and child delivery practices and identify mechanisms for improving polio birth dose coverage in CORE Group Polio Project implementation districts. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in March - April 2012 involving 600 women who delivered in the previous one year. Interviews were also conducted with key informants, Traditional Birth Attendants and, Health Extension Workers complemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community leaders. RESULTS: Three hundred twelve women (52.0%) had attended antenatal care at least once during the last pregnancy. Five hundred forty nine women (91.5%) delivered their last baby at home. Polio coverage was 29.7%, 19.7%, and 32.7% by history, by card and by history or card respectively. Antenatal care attendance was the main predictor of polio birth does utilization adjusted for other factors. Discussion with FGD participants revealed the prevailing knowledge on polio including misconceptions, and immunization service utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Newborn tracking for improving polio birth dose requires raising awareness among women and the community at large, strengthening mechanisms for identification and follow up of pregnant women at the community level, coordinating and strengthening the activities of front line health workers, and improving accessibility of health service.
BACKGROUND: Estimates of immunization coverage rates in Ethiopia varied widely, but were consistent in that polio birth dose coverage is much lower than other antigens, particularly in semi-pastoralist and pastoralist areas. OBJECTIVE: Examine pregnancy and child delivery practices and identify mechanisms for improving polio birth dose coverage in CORE Group Polio Project implementation districts. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in March - April 2012 involving 600 women who delivered in the previous one year. Interviews were also conducted with key informants, Traditional Birth Attendants and, Health Extension Workers complemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community leaders. RESULTS: Three hundred twelve women (52.0%) had attended antenatal care at least once during the last pregnancy. Five hundred forty nine women (91.5%) delivered their last baby at home. Polio coverage was 29.7%, 19.7%, and 32.7% by history, by card and by history or card respectively. Antenatal care attendance was the main predictor of polio birth does utilization adjusted for other factors. Discussion with FGD participants revealed the prevailing knowledge on polio including misconceptions, and immunization service utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Newborn tracking for improving polio birth dose requires raising awareness among women and the community at large, strengthening mechanisms for identification and follow up of pregnant women at the community level, coordinating and strengthening the activities of front line health workers, and improving accessibility of health service.
Authors: Katherine V Stamidis; Lydia Bologna; Filimona Bisrat; Tenager Tadesse; Fasil Tessema; Elizabeth Kang Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2019-10 Impact factor: 2.345