Abstract

COMMUNITY PHARMACY BASED IMMUNIZATION IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA: 1. KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTIONS

Joshua Funsho Eniojukan* and Famvie Bello Solomon

ABSTRACT

Community pharmacists play an important role in increasing vaccination rates especially in countries where they offer vaccination services and administration. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of community pharmacists about vaccines and pharmacy-based vaccination. A cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive survey was conducted from January to May 2024 among community pharmacists practicing within Yenagoa Metropolis in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study sample consisted of 67 community pharmacists. Retrieved questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. There were more males (76.12%) in the study with majority(46.27%) in the age bracket 31-40 years; majority (71.64%) of the respondents had good knowledge of immunization concepts. All respondents (100%) agreed that Pharmacists are quite knowledgeable about vaccines to participate in vaccination. The overall positive attitude score was 95.52%. All Respondents (100%) perceived the following as barriers and challenges to Immunization practices: Non-availability of vaccines on demand, poor storage condition and lack of government authorization and backing. The perceived benefits of Immunization as reported by respondents include: Immunization helps to keep children healthy (94.03%); Immunizations contribute to sustainable development by enhancing productivity (85.07%); Vaccines prevent suffering. (83.58%); Vaccines help to save scarce economic resources (77.61%). Educational qualifications were significantly associated with knowledge of vaccination and a significant correlation between knowledge and attitude of respondents was also demonstrated. Comprehensive training and certification programs for pharmacists are crucial to improve their competencies in handling and administering vaccines to increase the rate of vaccinations in Bayelsa State.

Keywords: Community Pharmacists; Vaccination; Knowledge; Attitude; Perceptions; Nigeria.