AwarenessofImmunisationHealthCareProviders on Adverse Events Following Immunisation: A Multicentre Study

Abstract

Introduction: Adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are often under-reported in India due to limited awareness among immunisation health care providers negatively affecting the immunisation programme of the country. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude and reporting practices (KAP) of AEFI among immunisation healthcare providers (IHPs) of private hospitals and clinics in South India. Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, 58 IHPs were interviewed. The mean age was found to be 14.5 ± 7.2 years. Few IHPs had good knowledge (34.5%) while 91.4% had a good attitude, but it didn’t influence their good reporting practices (25.9%). The overall KAP score was the highest for physicians (50%), followed by pharmacists (43.8%) and nurses (37.8%). Results: Barriers to effective reporting were lack of knowledge about AEFI surveillance, filling an AEFI reporting form, time constraints and unfamiliarity with electronic reporting. Conclusion: KAP of immunisation health care providers isn’t satisfactory. In recent years, the rate of serious AEFIs has decreased to a greater extent. This also decreased the IHPs’ awareness of AEFI reporting as they don’t need to frequently report. Improving the perception of AEFI and active participation in reporting by IHPs can strengthen the nation’s AEFI surveillance system.