Factors influencing community participation in expanded programme on immunization in Elmina sub-district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the factors influencing community participation in Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI) in Elmina sub-District of Ghana. In this survey data were collected from 15 purposively selected community health nurses and 279 conveniently chosen community members. Five research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. Two questionnaires; health worker questionnaire and community members, were utilized for data collection. The results indicated that community members participated minimally in EPI programmes. Using ANOVA, the results revealed that there was a significant difference in members’ participating in EPI according to educational status; F (3, 275) = 3.3, p < .05. Scheffe follow up test indicated that community members without formal education were better in participation in EPI programme (M = 4.87; SD = 6.27) than those with tertiary education (M = 1.60; SD = 3.66). In addition, regression analyses indicated that community-based factors (beta = -6.23, t = -3.28, p < .05) and health worker factors (= -6.29, t = -4.02, p < .05.) were significant determinants of community participation in EPI programmes. Educational level of the community members influences community participation in EPI programmes. Moreover, EPI programmes in Elmina Sub-district may not be achieving its goals due to low participation by the community members. The health workers are encouraged to enhance collaboration between them and community members to increase community participation in EPI programmes.