Knowledge of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives on Immunization Safety: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sub-Division of Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Safe immunization is one of the prerequisites for successful routine immunization program. Awareness on various components of immunization safety among frontline health workers determines their practice. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess knowledge of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) regarding various components of immunization safety and to determine association of their knowledge with some background characteristics (if any). Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at four community development blocks of Sadar North sub-division of Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal between June - September, 2017. All the 189 ANMs working in 107 sub-centres of these four blocks were interviewed for knowledge on various components of immunization safety with a pre- designed, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Results: Only 68 (36%) ANMs had adequate knowledge (score ≥ 33) combining all components on immunization safety. Chi-square test revealed that knowledge of ANM had statistically significant association with education level (p = 0.00) and last training status (p = 0.00). Education and last training status remained significant in binary logistic regression. Conclusion: Despite being trained, knowledge among ANMs regarding various components of immunization safety in the study area was still not satisfactory. Further emphasis on training and supportive supervision by local and district health authority is the need of the hour.