Programmatic aspects of dropouts in child vaccination in Bangladesh: findings from a prospective study

Type Journal Article - Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
Title Programmatic aspects of dropouts in child vaccination in Bangladesh: findings from a prospective study
Author(s)
Volume 23
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2011
Page numbers 141
URL http://aph.sagepub.com/content/23/2/141.short
Abstract
The present study investigated prospectively programmatic factors relating to dropouts in child vaccination in 6 subdistricts of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey (n = 2700) was conducted estimating overall coverage of immunization using cluster sampling. The eligible subsample of children (n = 1064) was followed up prospectively to understand reasons for dropouts. In-depth interviews (n = 73) with mothers/caregivers and service providers were done and EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) sessions were observed (n = 131). Irregular EPI sessions were the prime cause of dropouts particularly in low-performing subdistricts. The other programmatic factors linked with dropouts were (a) no reminder about subsequent session/doses, (b) unfriendly behavior or absence of vaccinator, ( c) refusal due to lost card or vaccine exhausted, and (d) short duration of sessions. Providers highlighted constraints such as financial problems for transportation, particularly in the hard-to-reach areas and vacancies of the posts of health assistants. The barriers to completing full schedules of vaccination can be removed to a large extent through programmatic adjustments.

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