scholarly journals Barriers for measles rubella vaccination campaign in rural area of Jammu: a qualitative study

Author(s):  
Sonika Sangra ◽  
Neha Choudhary ◽  
Wahida Kouser

Background: Measles is a highly contagious virus, spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Like measles, rubella can be prevented with a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine. This can be delivered as a rubella vaccine alone, or combined with measles vaccine (MR) or with measles and mumps vaccines (MMR). The objectives of the study were to analyze the barriers for acceptance of MR vaccination in the field area of New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Miran Sahib, one of the NTPHC of CHC R. S. Pura, field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, GMC Jammu.Methods: A qualitative study which consisting of interviews of parents of children both vaccinated as well as unvaccinated as well as teachers and principals of children of various government and private schools, Female Multipurpose Health Worker (FMPHW)s, accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers and Anganwadi workers where the campaign was conducted was also interviewed.Results: The major barrier to acceptance of MR vaccination was wrong message conducted through some social media that it results in deaths of some children in various places, and also the messages spread in some religions like in Muslim community that the Vaccine leads to infertility. But the sensitization meetings with the parents, school staff by the health team prior to vaccination played a major role and results in the vaccine coverage of 95%.Conclusions: Before eliminating MR, there are many barriers which are needed to be addressed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. e007479
Author(s):  
Rohan Arambepola ◽  
Yangyupei Yang ◽  
Kyle Hutchinson ◽  
Francis Dien Mwansa ◽  
Julie Ann Doherty ◽  
...  

IntroductionDespite gains in global coverage of childhood vaccines, many children remain undervaccinated. Although mass vaccination campaigns are commonly conducted to reach these children their effectiveness is unclear. We evaluated the effectiveness of a mass vaccination campaign in reaching zero-dose children.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study in 10 health centre catchment areas in Southern province, Zambia in November 2020. About 2 months before a national mass measles and rubella vaccination campaign conducted by the Ministry of Health, we used aerial satellite maps to identify built structures. These structures were visited and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) and measles zero-dose children were identified (children who had not received any DTP or measles-containing vaccines, respectively). After the campaign, households where measles zero-dose children were previously identified were targeted for mop-up vaccination and to assess if these children were vaccinated during the campaign. A Bayesian geospatial model was used to identify factors associated with zero-dose status and measles zero-dose children being reached during the campaign. We also produced fine-scale zero-dose prevalence maps and identified optimal locations for additional vaccination sites.ResultsBefore the vaccination campaign, 17.3% of children under 9 months were DTP zero-dose and 4.3% of children 9–60 months were measles zero-dose. Of the 461 measles zero-dose children identified before the vaccination campaign, 338 (73.3%) were vaccinated during the campaign and 118 (25.6%) were reached by a targeted mop-up activity. The presence of other children in the household, younger age, greater travel time to health facilities and living between health facility catchment areas were associated with zero-dose status. Mapping zero-dose prevalence revealed substantial heterogeneity within and between catchment areas. Several potential locations were identified for additional vaccination sites.ConclusionFine-scale variation in zero-dose prevalence and the impact of accessibility to healthcare facilities on vaccination coverage were identified. Geospatial modelling can aid targeted vaccination activities.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 835
Author(s):  
Mohammed Noushad ◽  
Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽  
Anas B. Alsalhani ◽  
Pradeep Koppolu ◽  
Fayez Hussain Niazi ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused largescale morbidity and mortality and a tremendous burden on the healthcare system. Healthcare workers (HCWs) require adequate protection to avoid onward transmission and minimize burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, HCWs can also influence the general public into accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, determining COVID-19 vaccine intention among HCWs is of paramount importance to plan tailor-made public health strategies to maximize vaccine coverage. A structured questionnaire was administered in February and March 2021 among HCWs in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. HCWs from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. In total, 674 out of 1124 HCWs responded and completed the survey (response rate 59.9%). About 65 percent of the HCWs intended to get vaccinated. The intention to vaccinate was significantly higher among HCWs 50 years of age or older, Saudi nationals and those who followed the updates about COVID-19 vaccines (p < 0.05). The high percentage (26 percent) of those who were undecided in getting vaccinated is a positive sign. As the vaccination campaign gathers pace, the attitude is expected to change over time. Emphasis should be on planning healthcare strategies to convince the undecided HCWs into accepting the vaccine in order to achieve the coverage required to achieve herd immunity.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038464
Author(s):  
Godfrey Bwire ◽  
Mellisa Roskosky ◽  
Anne Ballard ◽  
W Abdullah Brooks ◽  
Alfred Okello ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo evaluate the quality and coverage of the campaign to distribute oral cholera vaccine (OCV) during a cholera outbreak in Hoima, Uganda to guide future campaigns of cholera vaccine.DesignSurvey of communities targeted for vaccination to determine vaccine coverage rates and perceptions of the vaccination campaign, and a separate survey of vaccine staff who carried out the campaign.SettingHoima district, Uganda.ParticipantsRepresentative clusters of households residing in the communities targeted for vaccination and staff members who conducted the vaccine campaign.ResultsAmong 209 households (1274 individuals) included in the coverage survey, 1193 (94%; 95% CI 92% to 95%) reported receiving at least one OCV dose and 998 (78%; 95% CI 76% to 81%) reported receiving two doses. Among vaccinated individuals, minor complaints were reported by 71 persons (5.6%). Individuals with ‘some’ education (primary school or above) were more knowledgeable regarding the required OCV doses compared with non-educated (p=0.03). Factors negatively associated with campaign implementation included community sensitisation time, staff payment and problems with field transport. Although the campaign was carried out quickly, the outbreak was over before the campaign started. Most staff involved in the campaign (93%) were knowledgeable about cholera control; however, 29% did not clearly understand how to detect and manage adverse events following immunisation.ConclusionThe campaign achieved high OCV coverage, but the surveys provided insights for improvement. To achieve high vaccine coverage, more effort is needed for community sensitisation, and additional resources for staff transportation and timely payment for campaign staff is required. Pretest and post-test assessment of staff training can identify and address knowledge and skill gaps.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038523
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Ignatowicz ◽  
Maria Lisa Odland ◽  
Tahir Bockarie ◽  
Haja Wurie ◽  
Rashid Ansumana ◽  
...  

ObjectivesPrevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there are no previous studies on the knowledge and the awareness of these conditions in the community. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and understanding of CVDRF, as well as the perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing care for these conditions, among patients and community leaders in Sierra Leone.DesignQualitative study employing semistructured interviews and focus group discussions.SettingUrban and rural Bo District, Sierra Leone.ParticipantsInterviews with a purposive sample of 37 patients and two focus groups with six to nine community leaders.ResultsWhile participants possessed general knowledge of their conditions, the level and complexity of this knowledge varied widely. There were clear gaps in knowledge regarding the coexistence of CVDRF and their consequences, as well as the link between behavioural factors and CVDRF. An overarching theme from the data was the need to create an understanding and awareness of CVDRF in the community in order to prevent and improve management of these conditions. Cost was also seen as a major barrier to accessing care for CVDRFs.ConclusionsThe knowledge gaps identified in this study highlight the need to design strategies and interventions that improve knowledge and recognition of CVDRF in the community. Interventions should specifically consider how to develop and enhance awareness about CVDRF and their consequences. They should also consider how patients seek help and where they access it.


Author(s):  
Asha Jama ◽  
Mona Ali ◽  
Ann Lindstrand ◽  
Robb Butler ◽  
Asli Kulane

Background: Vaccination hesitancy and skepticism among parents hinders progress in achieving full vaccination coverage. Swedish measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage is high however some areas with low vaccination coverage risk outbreaks. This study aimed to explore factors influencing the decision of Somali parents living in the Rinkeby and Tensta districts of Stockholm, Sweden, on whether or not to vaccinate their children with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Method: Participants were 13 mothers of at least one child aged 18 months to 5 years, who were recruited using snowball sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted in Somali and Swedish languages and the data generated was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Both written and verbal informed consent were obtained from participants. Results: Seven of the mothers had not vaccinated their youngest child at the time of the study and decided to postpone the vaccination until their child became older (delayers). The other six mothers had vaccinated their child for MMR at the appointed time (timely vaccinators). The analysis of the data revealed two main themes: (1) barriers to vaccinate on time, included issues surrounding fear of the child not speaking and unpleasant encounters with nurses and (2) facilitating factors to vaccinate on time, included heeding vaccinating parents’ advice, trust in nurses and trust in God. The mothers who had vaccinated their children had a positive impact in influencing other mothers to also vaccinate. Conclusions: Fear, based on the perceived risk that vaccination will lead to autism, among Somali mothers in Tensta and Rinkeby is evident and influenced by the opinions of friends and relatives. Child Healthcare Center nurses are important in the decision-making process regarding acceptance of MMR vaccination. There is a need to address mothers’ concerns regarding vaccine safety while improving the approach of nurses as they address these concerns.


Author(s):  
Ramprakash Kaswa ◽  
George F.D. Rupesinghe ◽  
Benjamin Longo-Mbenza

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) services are the gateway for integrated management of several conditions that adversely affect the mother and foetus. More stillbirths than neonatal deaths in South Africa are a reflection of poor quality ANC services. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to explore the reasons for late booking, and also to determine pregnant women’s knowledge, perceptions and attitude towards antenatal care services they receive in Mthatha area in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Setting: This was a qualitative study, conducted at Mbekweni Health Centre in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) subdistrict municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of selected pregnant women who presented after 19 weeks of gestation at Mbekweni Health Centre. Data were collected through two different methods, namely, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used until saturation of the themes were reached. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analyses were undertaken. Results: Twenty women participated in the study. They were diverse in terms of age 18–41 years, gravidity 1–6 and time of ANC booking 20–28 weeks. The interviews identified a variety of personal, service and organisational reasons for late ANC booking. The themes identified for late ANC bookings were: health care system related issues, socio-economic factors, women’s perceptions and knowledge, and failure of family planning services. Conclusions: Women’s beliefs, knowledge and perceptions regarding antenatal services outweigh the perceived benefit of early ANC visit. The majority of women had lack of knowledge of contraception, early signs of pregnancy, purpose, timing and benefits of ANC visit.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirin Seyedhamzeh ◽  
Saharnaz Nedjat ◽  
Elham Shakibazadeh ◽  
Hedayat Hosseini ◽  
Azam Doustmohammadian ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Unhealthy diets and inadequate physical activity are important factors in the increasing trend of obesity. In order to mitigate this harmful trend, an effective policy must be developed to target both unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity. The implementation of physical activity recommendations in nutrition labeling may influence the consumers’ food choices. In this qualitative study, we designed a new type of physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) label by considering the viewpoints of household representatives and experts. Method Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 63 mothers from different regions of Tehran based on the participants’ socioeconomic status. Furthermore, ten interviews were conducted with food quality control (FQC) experts to examine the new PACE label. The preliminary designs were based on the mothers’ viewpoints. We then presented these new labels to the nutritionists and food industry experts in two separate FGDs. After taking their opinions into consideration, we applied certain changes to the labels and emailed them to the mothers. Consequently, the final versions of the new labels were designed. Conventional content analysis was applied with the MAXQDA10 software. Result Two main themes were defined: (1) the stakeholders’ perspectives on PACE labeling (2) the new PACE label’s characteristics including the appearance and the nutritional information on the new label. Conclusion The new label is a combination of the physical activity, traffic light and warning labels.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 29336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Topister Hasahya ◽  
Vanja Berggren ◽  
Douglas Sematimba ◽  
Rose Chalo Nabirye ◽  
Edward Kumakech

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