Knowledge of Health Workers on Cold Chain and Logistics Management for Expanded Program on Immunization in Busia and Namayingo Districts - Eastern Uganda

by Open Science Repository Medicine
(December 2013)

Abstract

Appropriate knowledge of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) staff on cold chain and logistics’ management (CCLM) ensures that vaccines are managed within optimum temperature range (between +2°C and +8°C) from the manufacturer up to use (Snow 2009). The objective of this study was to: assess EPI staff by cadre, on the knowledge and skills on cold chain and logistics management. This was a cross-sectional study that employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The study covered all the EPI service units (41). A total of 59 respondents (EPI staff) were interviewed.

Majority, 60% (33) of the respondents were knowledgeable about what vaccine vial monitor (VVM) measures (vaccine extreme/high temperatures) although all 100% (59) the respondents were not knowledgeable on whether VVM also measures vaccine potency. Majority (86% 12) of the vaccinators was knowledgeable about what VVM measures - only 33% (9) of the qualified health workers (Nurses/Midwifes) were equally knowledgeable. None of the respondents was knowledgeable about freeze watch, vaccine shake test and multi-dose vaccine policy (MDVP). These results also show that 58% (34) of the respondents were knowledgeable about the use of first expiry first out (FEFO) and first in first out (FIFO) in vaccine storage and 73% (43) were knowledgeable about optimal temperature range for vaccines.

Keywords: Expanded Program on Immunization, vaccines, cold chain and logistics’ management, EPI staff, optimum temperature range, ambient temperatures, refrigerators, vaccine vial monitor, multidose vaccine policy.

Full text

Knowledge of Health Workers on Cold Chain and Logistics Management for Expanded Program on Immunization in Busia and Namayingo Districts - Eastern Uganda