Knowledge, attitude, and practices of reporting adverse events following immunization among healthcare providers in Simiyu region, Tanzania: A cross sectional study

IntroductionImmunization 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 prompt detection, management, and then reported, analyzed, and the findings being shared with all stakeholders to ensure 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. MethodologyThis cross-sectional study was conducted between May and 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. ResultsThe median age of study participants was 32 (Inter Quartile Range; 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 recommendationsDespite 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 AEFI reporting and vaccine safety surveillance in Tanzania.