Perspectives of Immunization Data users on Quality and use of Immunization Data in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Despite the benefits of immunization in saving the life of children, about one in every five children in the African region did not receive an initial dose of Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus. This has been attributed to the inefficient use of data in planning immunization service delivery in many African countries, including Nigeria. Aim: To explore barriers to efficient use of good quality data in planning immunization service delivery in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 31 in-depth interviews were conducted among key stakeholders in immunization data in the immunization program of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Questions were asked on their perceived use of immunization data; archiving of immunization data; major challenges in keeping and using immunization data among others. Thematic content analysis was performed on the data using the Atlas.ti software. Results: There was a consensus on the importance of data for efficient delivery of immunization services. However, oftentimes the immunization data were not used because of the poor quality and late submission attributed to the poor tools, poor facilities, and data capture materials. Some of the staff were not well trained and when trained, the staff rotation did not allow them to stay on the job for a long time. There was also the predominance of private for-profit health facilities that rarely submit reports and data. Conclusion: Several capacity-related factors affect the efficient use of immunization data in the FCT immunization program. Some of these include the unavailability of the right tools and facilities for data generation, storage, and use. Inadequate training of the staff was also mentioned.