N Jacob1, D Coetzee. 1. Western Cape Government: Health, and School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa. emmab@hmpg.co.za.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Childhood immunisations are a cost-effective public health intervention for prevention of infectious diseases. Immunisation coverage is still suboptimal, however, which may result in disease outbreaks. Immunisation at every contact with a health facility is a strategy developed by the World Health Organization in order to improve immunisation coverage. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of missed opportunities for immunisation at different levels of healthcare in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, and assess factors associated with missed opportunities. METHODS: The study included a health facility-based cross-sectional exit survey of caregivers with children up to 5 years of age, followed by a qualitative exploration of staff attitudes towards immunisation. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of missed opportunities for immunisation was 4.6%; 81.3% of caregivers brought Road-to-Health booklets (RTHBs) to consultations; and 56.0% of health workers asked to see the RTHBs during consultations. Children attending primary level facilities were significantly more likely to have their RTHBs requested than children attending a tertiary level facility. Lack of training and resources and heavy workloads were the main challenges reported at secondary/tertiary level facilities. CONCLUSION: Missed opportunities for immunisation at health facilities in Cape Town were low, probably reflecting good immunisation coverage among children accessing health facilities. Increased health worker support, particularly at secondary/tertiary levels of care, is needed to improve the use of RTHBs to provide immunisation.
BACKGROUND: Childhood immunisations are a cost-effective public health intervention for prevention of infectious diseases. Immunisation coverage is still suboptimal, however, which may result in disease outbreaks. Immunisation at every contact with a health facility is a strategy developed by the World Health Organization in order to improve immunisation coverage. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of missed opportunities for immunisation at different levels of healthcare in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, and assess factors associated with missed opportunities. METHODS: The study included a health facility-based cross-sectional exit survey of caregivers with children up to 5 years of age, followed by a qualitative exploration of staff attitudes towards immunisation. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of missed opportunities for immunisation was 4.6%; 81.3% of caregivers brought Road-to-Health booklets (RTHBs) to consultations; and 56.0% of health workers asked to see the RTHBs during consultations. Children attending primary level facilities were significantly more likely to have their RTHBs requested than children attending a tertiary level facility. Lack of training and resources and heavy workloads were the main challenges reported at secondary/tertiary level facilities. CONCLUSION: Missed opportunities for immunisation at health facilities in Cape Town were low, probably reflecting good immunisation coverage among children accessing health facilities. Increased health worker support, particularly at secondary/tertiary levels of care, is needed to improve the use of RTHBs to provide immunisation.
Authors: Andrea Timothy; David Coetzee; Christopher Morgan; Margaret Kelaher; Ross Stewart Bailie; Margie Danchin Journal: BMJ Glob Health Date: 2021-03
Authors: Anyie J Li; Collins Tabu; Stephanie Shendale; Kibet Sergon; Peter O Okoth; Isaac K Mugoya; Zorodzai Machekanyanga; Iheoma U Onuekwusi; Colin Sanderson; Ikechukwu Udo Ogbuanu Journal: PLoS One Date: 2020-08-20 Impact factor: 3.240