ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (7), pp. 001-006, July, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Technical competence of tutors in pre-service health training institutions on Expanded Programme on Immunization in North Western Nigeria
A. S. Umar1*, A. O. Olatunji1*, A. O. Abiola1, A. Yakubu2 and M. Oche1
1Department of Community Health, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
2Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Accepted 11 May, 2019
Abstract
The study was conducted to assess the knowledge and skills of tutors on Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in some pre-service health training institutions in Nigeria to identify their training needs. The study was a cross sectional survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. A total of 62 tutors from 5 pre-service health training institutions were selected. The level of knowledge was assessed using a scoring system as adequate or in adequate. Overall, 25 (40.3%) of respondents’ had adequate knowledge on basic knowledge on immunization concepts, principles and components of Reaching Every Ward approach (REW). The overall mean score was 24.4 ± 2. In all the 5 schools studied, there were no teaching aids (vaccine carriers, ice packs, cold box, AD syringes, safety box, IEC materials and data tools) and no reference materials (REW field guide or immunization in practice) in the school library. In-service training is the only variable that have demonstrated significant statistical association on overall knowledge of respondents’ (df = 1; F = 8.62; P<0.0001). There is significant gap in knowledge of the tutors on all components of REW and hence the need for training intervention.
Key words: Tutors, pre-service health training institutions, knowledge, teaching aids, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Nigeria.