Use of surveys to evaluate an integrated oral cholera vaccine campaign in response to a cholera outbreak in Hoima district, Uganda

Godfrey Bwire, Mellisa Roskosky, Anne Ballard, W. Abdullah Brooks, Alfred Okello, Florentina Rafael, Immaculate Ampeire, Christopher Garimoi Orach, David A. Sack

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the quality and coverage of the campaign to distribute oral cholera vaccine (OCV) during a cholera outbreak in Hoima, Uganda to guide future campaigns of cholera vaccine. Design Survey of communities targeted for vaccination to determine vaccine coverage rates and perceptions of the vaccination campaign, and a separate survey of vaccine staff who carried out the campaign. Setting Hoima district, Uganda. Participants Representative clusters of households residing in the communities targeted for vaccination and staff members who conducted the vaccine campaign. Results Among 209 households (1274 individuals) included in the coverage survey, 1193 (94%; 95% CI 92% to 95%) reported receiving at least one OCV dose and 998 (78%; 95% CI 76% to 81%) reported receiving two doses. Among vaccinated individuals, minor complaints were reported by 71 persons (5.6%). Individuals with some' education (primary school or above) were more knowledgeable regarding the required OCV doses compared with non-educated (p=0.03). Factors negatively associated with campaign implementation included community sensitisation time, staff payment and problems with field transport. Although the campaign was carried out quickly, the outbreak was over before the campaign started. Most staff involved in the campaign (93%) were knowledgeable about cholera control; however, 29% did not clearly understand how to detect and manage adverse events following immunisation. Conclusion The campaign achieved high OCV coverage, but the surveys provided insights for improvement. To achieve high vaccine coverage, more effort is needed for community sensitisation, and additional resources for staff transportation and timely payment for campaign staff is required. Pretest and post-Test assessment of staff training can identify and address knowledge and skill gaps.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere038464
JournalBMJ open
Volume10
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 10 2020

Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • gastrointestinal infections
  • infection control
  • international health services
  • public health
  • tropical medicine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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