Publication:

Factors affecting AEFI reporting among vaccine recipients in Oyo State, Nigeria

Background Immunization has proved to be a worthy investment in reduction of morbidity and mortality related to vaccine preventable diseases. However, AEFI may deter people from assessing vaccines, leading to poor vaccine coverage and non achievement of herd immunity sufficient to break disease transmission. Despite the established vaccine safety framework, there are gaps in the reported cases of AEFI, whether by community members to health-system or HWs to the data-system.

Methods This descriptive cross sectional study aimed at providing some answers to the missing aspect of AEFI reporting from the populace by conducting interview for 422 vaccine recipients from 3 randomly selected LGAs, 1 each from the 3 senatorial district in Oyo-State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was used in data collection and analysis was done with data subjected to descriptive (mean, range, standard deviation) and inferential (Chi-square (X2) and logistic regression) statistical analyses.

Results The study demonstrated the odds of likelihood to report AEFI to be 38 times more in persons with good awareness about AEFI reporting compared to those without. Poor health workers support/reactions to previously reported AEFI cases influenced future reporting by community members negatively, resulting to lesser likelihood to report. The community member who reported that based on their experience, AEFI management cost was borne by the cases and that HWs dismiss complaints about AEFI as unnecessary report, were seen to be less likely to report AEFI.

Conclusions Good awareness about the reporting system, perception about vaccine safety and satisfactory memorable experience are important at ensuring optimal AEFI reporting.