Stakeholder perceptions of communication about vaccination in two regions of Cameroon: A qualitative case study

Abstract

BackgroundUnderstanding stakeholders’ (parents’, communities’ and health workers’) perspectives of communication about childhood vaccination, including their preferences for its format, delivery and content, is an important step towards designing better communication strategies and ensuring more informed parents. Our objectives were to explore stakeholders’ views, experiences and preferences for childhood vaccination communication in Cameroon.MethodsIn 2014, in the Central and North West Regions of Cameron, we gathered qualitative data for our case study using the following methods: semi structured interviews; observations and informal conversations during routine immunization clinics and three rounds of the National Polio Immunization Campaign; document analysis of reports and mass media communications about vaccination; and a survey of parents. We conducted a thematic analysis of the qualitative data to identify themes relating to views, experiences and perceptions of vaccination information and its delivery. Survey data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics.ResultsAll of the parents interviewed felt that vaccinating their child was important, and trusted the information provided by health workers. However, many parents wanted more information. Parents did not always feel that they could ask questions during vaccination appointments. All participants felt that health workers and vaccination clinics were important sources of information. Social mobilisation activities such as door-to-door visits and announcements during religious services were important and accepted ways of communicating information, especially during vaccination campaigns. Information communicated through mass media and text messages was also seen as important. In general, stakeholders believed that more consistent messaging about routine vaccination through community channels would be helpful to remind parents of the importance of routine vaccination during ongoing rounds of vaccination campaigns against polio.ConclusionsThis study confirms that parents regard information about childhood vaccination as important, but that health services need to be organized in ways that prioritize and facilitate communication, particularly about routine vaccination.

Factors influencing the implementation of Global Polio Eradication Initiative in low- and middle-income countries: a qualitative evidence synthesis

“…Four studies were conducted in Nigeria 31 - 30 , three in Pakistan 32 - 33 , two in Ethiopia 29 , 34 and one each in Angola 35 and Cameroon. 36 Figure 1 Factors influencing the implementation of Global Polio Eradication Initiative in low-and middle-income countries: a... Factors influencing the implementation of Global Polio Eradication Initiative in low-and middle-income countries: a...…”

“…The quality of all eleven studies was assessed using the CASP checklist (See Appendix S5 in the Online Supplemen-Online Supplementar tary Document y Document). Three studies were assessed as high quality 36 , 39 , 30 five as medium quality 29 , 34 -38 , 37 and three as low quality. 33 -31 None of the studies satisfactorily addressed the issue regarding the impact of the researcher on the individual study outcomes.…”

“…This led to a complete absence of information or parents feeling under time pressures to vaccinate their children. 36 Opportunities to disseminate messages about vaccination might include TV programmes 32 or at the mosque after prayers. 30…”

“…If there were not enough children to justify opening a vial of vaccine, "they sent parents away and told them to come back on the next clinic day.". 36…”

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“…We can illustrate this approach with campaigns that include so‐called “door‐to‐door visits” which are particularly common in health campaigns. Often accompanied by local political or religious leaders, NPO representatives personally visit households and talk to people about vaccination issues, their concerns, and the pros and cons of vaccinating (Ames et al, , pp. 14–15; Oku et al, , p. 7).…”