Perceptions of Stakeholders on Community Health Volunteers’ Contribution to Immunization Uptake in Pokot South Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Background : In developing countries, community health volunteers (CHVs) are instrumental in increasing immunization uptake. In Kenya, reports indicate that basic vaccination coverage reduced from 77% in 2008 to 71% in 2014 and the proportion of children fully immunized in West Pokot is only 31%. Little is known about the contribution of CHVs in the uptake of immunization services in Pokot South, Sub-County. The study, therefore, sought to establish the perceptions of CHVs contribution to the uptake of immunization services in Pokot South, Sub-County of West Pokot County.

Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach was adopted in the study. The study employed a multi-stage sampling method to select villages, community units and households. The sample size was calculated using Yamane’s formula, resulting in 184 CHVs and 356 caregivers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interview schedules. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, version 21.0. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were calculated to test the significance of the association between each independent and the dependent variable. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results: Nearly all (96.2%) of the CHVs were recruited between 2008 and 2015. Moreover, the majority of the members of the community (92.1%) knew their CHVs. Over half (57.3%) were satisfied with the work done by the CHVs. The major challenges faced by CHVs in their work are poor community support (104, 31.2%) and poor transport (79, 23.7%). From the interviews, the community positively perceives the role of CHVs in the promotion of health in the study area.

Conclusion: The community in Pokot South Sub-County of West Pokot believes that CHVs have made positive contributions to health care in the area. Recognition and respect for CHVs at the community level motivates them to play more active roles in community health interventions, despite the harsh environment in which they volunteer their services.