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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Factors affecting the implementation of childhood vaccination communication strategies in Nigeria: a qualitative study

Authors: Afiong Oku, Angela Oyo-Ita, Claire Glenton, Atle Fretheim, Glory Eteng, Heather Ames, Artur Muloliwa, Jessica Kaufman, Sophie Hill, Julie Cliff, Yuri Cartier, Xavier Bosch-Capblanch, Gabriel Rada, Simon Lewin

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

The role of health communication in vaccination programmes cannot be overemphasized: it has contributed significantly to creating and sustaining demand for vaccination services and improving vaccination coverage. In Nigeria, numerous communication approaches have been deployed but these interventions are not without challenges. We therefore aimed to explore factors affecting the delivery of vaccination communication in Nigeria.

Methods

We used a qualitative approach and conducted the study in two states: Bauchi and Cross River States in northern and southern Nigeria respectively. We identified factors affecting the implementation of communication interventions through interviews with relevant stakeholders involved in vaccination communication in the health services. We also reviewed relevant documents. Data generated were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

We used the SURE framework to organise the identified factors (barriers and facilitators) affecting vaccination communication delivery. We then grouped these into health systems and community level factors. Some of the commonly reported health system barriers amongst stakeholders interviewed included: funding constraints, human resource factors (health worker shortages, training deficiencies, poor attitude of health workers and vaccination teams), inadequate infrastructure and equipment and weak political will. Community level factors included the attitudes of community stakeholders and of parents and caregivers. We also identified factors that appeared to facilitate communication activities. These included political support, engagement of traditional and religious institutions and the use of organised communication committees.

Conclusions

Communication activities are a crucial element of immunization programmes. It is therefore important for policy makers and programme managers to understand the barriers and facilitators affecting the delivery of vaccination communication so as to be able to implement communication interventions more effectively.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Factors affecting the implementation of childhood vaccination communication strategies in Nigeria: a qualitative study
Authors
Afiong Oku
Angela Oyo-Ita
Claire Glenton
Atle Fretheim
Glory Eteng
Heather Ames
Artur Muloliwa
Jessica Kaufman
Sophie Hill
Julie Cliff
Yuri Cartier
Xavier Bosch-Capblanch
Gabriel Rada
Simon Lewin
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4020-6

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