Evaluating the Effect of an Intervention on Timeliness and Accuracy of Routine Immunization Data Reporting in Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim: This paper provides new knowledge on the outcomes of an intervention implemented to improve the timeliness and accuracy of routine immunization (RI) data reporting for decision-making in Nigeria. Method: It used a pre-and post-intervention cross-sectional study design with 600 respondents selected from health facilities through a multistage sampling technique. A set of uniformly structured questionnaires was used to collect data on health workers’ perspectives on the uses of immunization data, collection, archiving, and storage of immunization data as well as the challenges associated with these, and suggestions for improvement. Data were also collected on the quality of immunization data available in the immunization programs using checklists on the timeliness and completeness of data submitted from the lower to the higher levels of the immunization programs. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Chi-square statistics were used to measure the differences in the availability and quality of data before and after intervention. The dependent variables were timeliness and completeness of reporting of immunization data, whereas the independent variables included timing of the study, socio-demographic characteristics of the public health workers, and the area councils. The level of significance was set at a P value <0.05. Results: The results revealed general improvements in the key quality indicators of timeliness and completeness of RI data post-intervention. There were significant improvements in timeliness (F-ratio 5.35 (P < 0.05) and completeness (F-ratio 10.65 (P < 0.05) of submission of RI data following the intervention. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated the effectiveness of improving RI data quality through implementation research for evidence-informed decision-making toward effective coverage of immunization programs.