Knowledge and Practice Regarding The Administration Of the Pentavalent Vaccine Among Health Care Workers In Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR: A Mixed Method Approach

Knowledge and practice regarding the administration of the pentavalent vaccine among health care workers in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR: A mixed method approach Abstract Background: The pentavalent vaccine is an essential, cost-effective public health measure to reduce preventable premature child mortality and childhood mobility and contributes to lowering the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of providing pentavalent vaccines and its related factors among health care workers (HCWs). Method: This was a cross-sectional analytical study, using the qualitative and quantitative methods. The study was conducted in nine district hospitals and 33 health centers in Vientiane Capital. In total, 184 health care workers were involved in the study and in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 HCWs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to determine the factors associated with the knowledge and the practice of pentavalent vaccines. A thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. Results: The results showed that more than half (63.3%) had poor knowledge of the pentavalent vaccine, while about two thirds (65.7%) reported good practices for delivering the pentavalent vaccine. In the multiple logistic regression, significant factors associated with the knowledge of the pentavalent vaccine were the qualification of HCWs (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.1 – 6.3, p=0.030), receiving training on vaccines (AOR=3.4, 95% CI=1.7 – 6.8, p<0.001), and incentives of working for vaccination programmes (AOR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2 – 6.1, p=0.020). The qualitative study revealed the need to improve supply-side determinants including increased training to improve the health staff’s competency, knowledge and practice of immunization. Conclusion: The data from this research indicated that more than half of the HCWs had poor knowledge about the pentavalent vaccine, despite vaccination practice being relatively good. There was a correlation between improved knowledge, with those HCWs who had higher education, and received training and incentives. These findings demonstrate there is a need for more efficient training and the continuous education of HCWs in the field of immunization. Keywords: Pentavalent vaccine, health care workers, knowledge and practice, Lao PDR.