Community support for maternal vaccinations in Kilimanjaro region Tanzania: Qualitative study

Abstract

An essential component of prenatal care for expectant mothers and their newborn infants is community support for antenatal services. Maternal vaccinations face several obstacles in communities all around the world, particularly in Tanzania and Africa. To get over these challenges, work must be done to improve access to healthcare facilities, increase awareness of the value of maternal vaccinations, and dispel myths. Study aimed to investigate the community support of maternal vaccinations in Tanzania. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 purposively sampled community leaders, 20 Health facility in charges, and key informant. The selected participants participated in individual (IDIs) and group discussions (FGDs). A semi-structured topic guide guided the 35 IDIs and 2 FGDs. Data analysis was conducted through a thematic process to get the main themes. Demographic characteristics showed, majority were in animal farming while very few were in the pet business. Identified themes comprised: Community cultural barriers to maternal vaccination, community prefers herbs, family member’s negative attitude toward maternal vaccination and men’s perspectives on maternal services, work versus maternal vaccination appointments, community awareness on maternal vaccination, strengthening vaccine education services to youth, benefits of vaccines services, use of incentives to promote maternal vaccination, confidence among community on maternal vaccination, and good communication among community. Inadequate vaccine communications from healthcare professionals to the community, particularly women visiting antenatal services, limits community decision to support maternal vaccines due to low levels of understanding. However, understanding the value of maternal vaccinations in the community is essential for enhancing support for the maternal vaccination programs.

Keywords: Community, support, maternal vaccination, Tanzania