A cross-sectional assessment of the effects of select training modalities on vaccine cold chain management

Abstract

Background: Vaccines offer arguably the most cost-effective public health intervention. Vaccine supply chain management which is a critical building block faces many Human resources challenges mainly due to the special attributes of vaccines. Objective: This study attempted to measure the effect of training on vaccine cold chain handler knowledge and practices. Methods: A cross-sectional research design, using predominantly quantitative data collection techniques, was used. Facilities that have offered vaccination services for more than a year and report through the HMIS system were eligible for selection. Observation checklists and structured questionnaires were used. SPSS was used to analyse data. Results: Vaccine cold chain management among the study group had an average score of 65.33% range (31–85%). The average knowledge score among the study respondents was 62.42% with a range (45–95%). The knowledge of respondents generally increases with an additional increase in the number of training modalities. Conclusions: The status of VCCM is at about 65.33% below the target of 80% set by the EVM. The trainings have an effect on both knowledge of handlers and their practice especially when deployed in a multi-pronged design and thus these trainings need to be aligned to achieve synergy.