Abstract

A. S. Umar1 *, A. O. Olatunji1 *, A. O. Abiola1 , A. Yakubu2 and M. Oche1

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.