Child vaccine communication practice in promoting child immunization in the Amhara region of Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND Child vaccination plays a great role in preventing infectious diseases in children. While Ethiopia has emphasized child vaccination, its effectiveness largely depends on efficient communication between health practitioners and mothers/ caregivers. Thus, sufficient communication contributes to promoting child immunization and in turn improving child health. AIM To examine child vaccine communication practices and strategies as well as their relationship with sociodemographic characteristics of respondents in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pretested Likert scale questionnaire and distributed to 123 health workers in primary healthcare centers between April 2024 and June 2024. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS The results indicated that the most common vaccine communication activities included education and communication (mean score = 24.1), vaccine data registration (mean score = 8.86), and information exchange (mean score = 8.3). A significant correlation was found between the implementation of interpersonal health communication principles and immunization communication training (F = 341.756, P = 0.000, P < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were observed between age, education, work experience, and vaccine communication practices. Additionally, the study found that the application of interpersonal communication principles was associated with the perceived relevance of immunization communication (F = 27.790, P = 0.000, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Based on the findings the study concluded that communication practice in promoting child immunization is insufficient. To enhance vaccine acceptance, continuous immunization communication training for health workers is recommended.