ABSTRACT:
Abstract:

INTRODUCTION:
Immunization is the most cost-effective health intervention in the history of mankind. Its role in reducing the morbidities and mortality due to vaccine-preventable diseases is significant. Despite vaccines being important in saving lives; adverse events following immunization (AEFI) do occur that need to be collected, reported, analyzed, and the findings to be shared with all stakeholders for the actions towards ensuring vaccine safety. The reporting of AEFI in Tanzania is still low. Health Care Providers (HCPs) are obliged to collect and report AEFI. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of reporting AEFI among HCPs in Simiyu region, Tanzania.

METHODS:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between May-June 2024. A total of 180 HCPs were enrolled, structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of reporting AEFI among HCPs at primary health facilities. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for entry and data analysis, and the findings were summarized using frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was used to screen for factors associated with AEFI reporting while Poisson regression model was used to confirm the determinants.

RESULTS:
The median age of study participants was 32 (IQR; 29, 38) years. Among the HCPs, more than one quarter (28.89%) had adequate knowledge of reporting AEFI, and more than half (68.89%) had positive attitudes and good practices (62.22%) of reporting AEFI. Less than half of HCPs (48.3%) had encountered AEFI cases, and about two-thirds (69%) reported it.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Despite the inadequacy of knowledge on reporting AEFI among HCPs, the attitude and Practices of reporting AEFI among HCPs were promising. Based on the study findings, we recommend more training on vaccine surveillance, routine follow-up, and supportive supervision of AEFI surveillance for optimal vaccine safety surveillance in Tanzania.