Quality of expanded program of immunization and associated factors with client satisfaction in Shashemene woreda, Oromia region, South Ethiopia:

Abstract

Background: Immunization is the most cost-effective and lifesaving public health interventions that can be used to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Quality of health care determines the successful implementation of health programs including immunization given a priority to improve health care services. Therefore; it is relevant to conduct quality related studies on immunization service delivery in the study area. Objective: To Assess Quality of Expanded Program of Immunization service and factors associated with client satisfaction among Public Health Centers in Shashemene Woreda, Oromia region, South Ethiopia, 2017. Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study was employed from March, 01-30/ 2017. A total of 398 mothers/caretakers who came to public health centers with child less than 1year of age were randomly selected and included in this study. The sample size was calculated using single population proportion formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, entered in to Epi data and analyzed by SPSS. Predictor variables with P-value less than 0.05 with their corresponding 95% confidence interval and adjusted odds ratios were considered significant for maternal satisfaction. Result: Structural assessment of the immunization room and waiting area were found less than 20m2 in all health centers. Regarding process dimension vaccine wastage rate was monitored only in one heath center. Health providers explained about the importance of immunization for 42 (60%) and gave advice about side effects for 45 (64%). The overall satisfaction of clients toward immunization service was 63.5% in the woreda. Conclusion: Immunization waiting area in all heath centers and vaccination room of most health centers was below the minimum standard. Vaccine wastage rate monitoring was weak in health facilities. Information given to the mother/care taker on importance of vaccine and its side effect were inadequate. Recommendation: The woreda health office and health facilities should improve the vaccination rooms and waiting areas. Health providers working in EPI unit should transmit messages to all mothers/care takers those attending the service and routinely monitor the vaccine wastage rate to improve quality of immunization services in the woreda.