Vaccination Of Preterm Infants: Knowledge And Practices Of Healthcare Workers In South Africa

Nakibuka, Jesca

Vaccination Of Preterm Infants: Knowledge And Practices Of Healthcare Workers In South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2023

Abstract

Objective: To determine practices and knowledge of healthcare workers (HCWs) regarding vaccination of preterm infants in South Africa (S.A) Study design: Online cross-sectional survey of HCWs involved in neonatal care in state and private neonatal intensive-care units in S.A. Results: A total of 245 health workers participated in the survey (36.4% response rate). Majority were paediatricians (35.9%), had more than 10 years practice (55.5%) and majority were from the public sector (62.9%). Up to 80.4% of the respondents correctly responded that preterm infants should be vaccinated according to the chronological age. The average knowledge score was 10 points out of 16 points. Factors associated with knowledge of preterm vaccination were current practice role, years of practice, facility location, and having a written policy. The private sector compared to the public sector had significantly higher proportion of written policies to guide on vaccination of preterm infants, systems to keep record of preterm vaccinations and systems to follow-up preterm infants who default on vaccination. Conclusion: Non-specialized health workers, those with fewer years of practice, those working in rural facilities and facilities with no written policy on preterm vaccination are more likely to have knowledge gaps in preterm vaccination. Inclusion of preterm vaccination in prequalification training of non-specialized cadres, knowledge transfer through mentorships, continuous medical education and written policies may improve preterm vaccination knowledge among health workers caring for preterm infants in South Africa.

Keywords

Paediatrics and Child Health

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