KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF COLD CHAIN MANAGEMENT AMONG HEALTH PRACTIONERS IN THE SEKYERE CENTRAL DISTRICT

ABSTRACT Cold chain management is the process of storing vaccines in a potent state from the manufacturer to the recipient. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of cold chain management among health practitioners in the Sekyere Central District of Ghana. The study used a mixed method approach. Eighty- six participants responded to a questionnaire. Twelve cold chain sites were observed and a key informant interview was conducted with 11 health practitioners to explore the challenges on cold chain management. The major findings from the study indicated that (68.6%) of the participants level of knowledge was good and (67.4%) of them had good attitude towards cold chain management. With respect to cold chain management practices, (66.7%) also observed that the district was involved in incorrect cold chain practices such as storage of non-vaccines in vaccine refrigerators, inadequate monitoring of vaccine temperature (50%), inadequate temperature range for vaccine storage (41.7%), few facilities arranging vaccines correctly (16.7%), inadequate emergency power supply (8.3%) and non-availability of contingency plan (100%).The major challenges identified were poor cold chain infrastructure such as state of constant pressure and stress, electricity or power failure, delays in reaching the underserved communities. It is therefore recommended that the Regional Health Directorate should supply the district with cold chain equipment and logistics, especially the remote and underserved areas of the district, and sensitize the staff to refrain from incorrect cold chain practices.