Assessment of vaccine handling knowledge, attitudes, and practices among stakeholders in selected drug shops of three Eastern Ugandan cities

Abstract

Vaccines play a pivotal role in veterinary medicine, ensuring the health of animals and subsequently safeguarding the public. Vaccine efficacy relies heavily on proper handling and storage. This study investigated stakeholders' knowledge, attitudes and practices, commonly sold vaccines, and identified risk factors that could affect vaccine efficacy across three cities of eastern Uganda namely Jinja, Mbale, and Soroti. A sample of 15 drug outlets were randomly selected from the three cities above. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data, which was analyzed using SPSS to derive percentages and frequencies. It was found that majority of participants not only exhibited fair knowledge levels on the understanding of the concept of cold chain, storage conditions, and reconstitution of vaccines but also had a positive attitude towards proper vaccine handling practices. Among the commonly stocked vaccines, Newcastle, Infectious Bronchitis, Gumboro, Fowl pox, and Fowl typhoid were identified while Foot and Mouth disease vaccine, rabies, Lumpy skin vaccine vaccines were stocked by the District veterinary officers for public use. However significant challenges that could affect vaccine handling were noted, including difficulties in maintaining required storage temperatures, frequent power outages, the absence of appropriate disposal units, and a lack of adequate and recommended storage facilities. Based on the results, the drug shop dealers exhibited fair knowledge and a positive attitude towards vaccine handling practices due to the vigorous sensitizations carried out by the National Drug Authority, challenges such as power outages and lack of appropriate storage facilities pose risks to vaccine efficacy. Addressing these challenges can improve the effectiveness of vaccines in the region. The study suggests increasing sensitization and training on proper vaccine handling. Strategies to mitigate risks associated with vaccine storage, especially power outages and lack of disposal units