Health Providers’ Readiness for Immunization Services in Selected Primary Health Care Facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Immunisation is a critical primary health care (PHC) component. However, Nigeria has yet to meet the target of immunisation services. Therefore, the present study examined the interplay between training, motivation and involvement in determining health providers’ readiness for immunisation services.

Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. Stratified sampling was adopted to select 39 of 43 PHC centres. Using a ballot system, 133 health providers were proportionately drawn to respond to a semi-structured questionnaire. Items were scored under training, motivation, and involvement—the cumulative score of the three variables determined readiness.

Result: The mean age of the respondents was 29.4±6.7 years; 115 (86.5%) were females, and only 32 (24.1%) were Nurses/Nurse-Midwives. The respondents that reported adequate training were 75 (56.4%), adequate motivation 79 (59.4%, and adequate involvement 112 (84.2%). Consequently, 84 (63.2%) respondents were considered ready for immunisation. The Local Government Area of the PHCs was associated with immunisation readiness (p = 0.012). Over a third of the health providers in the study setting were not ready for immunisation services. No significant association was found for immunisation readiness across professional cadres (p = 0.283). Meanwhile, a significant association was found between involvement in providing immunisation and professional cadres (p<0.001).

Conclusion: To ensure optimal readiness for immunisation, improving in-service training and supportive supervision, particularly for nurses/nurse-midwives and demand for enhanced health investments in PHC facilities, should be prioritised.