Evaluation of Immunization Service Delivery in Primary Healthcare Centers: A Case Study of Akinyele and Lagelu Local Government Areas, Oyo State, Nigeria

Timilehin Oladosu, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Ibadan, Nigeria
Ikeoluwa Ajayi, University of Ibadan

Immunization is essential for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases in children, with Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) playing a key role in delivering these services. This study evaluated immunization service delivery in Akinyele and Lagelu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria. A health facility-based cross-sectional study using a mixed-method approach involved 127 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 377 mothers and caregivers across 40 PHCs. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, with quantitative analysis conducted using STATA 15 and thematic analysis for qualitative data using Atlas.ti version 9. The study revealed that 87.5% of health facilities lacked functional cold chain equipment, compromising vaccine management. Additionally, a shortage of trained healthcare staff, particularly in Lagelu and Akinyele LGAs, hindered service delivery, with many facilities relying on voluntary and ad-hoc personnel. Outreach activities were more frequent in Lagelu, conducted at least twice monthly. Significant associations were identified between cold chain management and training in Akinyele (X² = 10.039, p=0.002), as well as knowledge levels in Lagelu (X² = 7.004, p=0.008). The findings underscore the need for investments in cold chain infrastructure and trained personnel to enhance immunization coverage and sustainability in Nigeria, ultimately reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.

Keywords: Mixed methods research, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

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