A study on knowledge, attitude and practices of cold chain handlers regarding cold chain management in district Kanpur

Abstract

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective measures to prevent childhood diseases. Vaccines are sensitive biological products and their potency can diminish irreversibly when exposed to inappropriate temperatures. Cold chain handler (CCH) is the most crucial person at a cold chain point (CCP) as his/her correct knowledge and skills regarding cold chain practices, vaccine management and handling are immensely vital for the success of universal immunization programme. Thus, this study has done to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of CCH in public health facilities in district Kanpur.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 20 CCPs of public health facilities of district Kanpur using multistage simple random sampling technique. The data was collected by using direct personal interview method using semi-structured interview schedule based on standard Government of India (GOI) questionnaire then filled on the Microsoft excel sheet and most appropriate statistical tool applied and results were drawn accordingly.Results: Only 25% of cold chain handlers had good knowledge and 20% had poor knowledge about cold chain handling similarly 25% were showing excellent performance (in terms of attitude and practice) 50% were showing average performance and 25% were showing poor performance.Conclusions: There is need to improve the knowledge level of CCHs regarding cold chain maintenances and handling practices by regular training sessions and monitoring visits. Medical officers of the health facility supported by district immunization officer should be actively involved in the monitoring and supervision of the CCHs on regular basis.