Evaluation of Routine Immunization Coverage using Lot Quality Assurances Sampling (LQAs) of Jalingo LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Routine
immunization remains an effective public health intervention in controlling
morbidity and mortality among children. However, most areas in Nigeria have
continued to perform below optimal levels, and thus it becomes essential to
investigate its effectiveness using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling in Jalingo
Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria, and also address issues
concerning non-vaccinated children who are supposed to be immunized. This study
is a cross-sectional quantitative survey research on caregivers of children
between 0 and 23 months of age. A total of 360 caregivers were surveyed for
this category of children across six different wards within the study area
using multistage sampling techniques. The study survey involved a questionnaire
administered through a survey method. From the study, it is evident that 76% of
children were adequately immunized for their respective ages, 14% were
partially immunized, and 10% were unimmunized against diseases for which
immunization is required. Although this is an improvement from previous survey
estimates on the level of improvement required for RI performances within the
LGA, only one ward out of six met the decision threshold using Lot Quality
Assurance Sampling. The most cited reasons for non-vaccination and incomplete
immunization among children were "not given, reason unknown/others"
38.63%, unavailability of immunization vaccines in most health facilities
24.64%, distance to health facilities in most cases 13.98%, lack of time in
most instances 10.66%, and cultural reasons in most instances 7.11%. In light
of this, it becomes essential, based on this study, that for the areas that are
performing badly to be covered, and also for areas that are doing well to be
maintained, vaccine supplies should be strengthened, and community mobilization
should be enhanced.
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