Uncovering And Investigating Reasons for Inaccuracies in Vaccine Card Records in Kiyawa LGA Jigawa, Nigeria: A Mixed Method Study

Background Accurately measuring vaccination coverage is crucial for programmatic and policy decision making, however accurate measurement of coverage can be challenging. We aimed to understand the extent of, and reasons for, inaccurate vaccination card records in a rural, low-income setting in Jigawa state, Nigeria. Methods We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study in Kiyawa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, from September 2022 to July 2023, using data from the INSPIRING Jigawa trial (ISRCTN39213655). Quantitative data was gathered from surveyed women aged 16–49 in sampled compounds, who presented their child’s vaccine card. Vaccine documentation was defined as inaccurate when the vaccine card is discordant with caregiver report. Adjusted logistic regression identified factors associated with inaccuracies. We conducted in-depth interviews with healthcare workers and focus groups with community members, analyzing transcripts using conventional content analysis, and triangulated findings with quantitative results. Results Records for 4258 children under five-years, from 3232 women, were examined. Of these children, 441 (10.4%) had vaccine cards that were deemed inaccurate by their caregivers. Inaccuracies were primarily attributed to cards being filled despite the child not receiving the vaccine, misplacement or loss of vaccine cards, vaccine stock-out when cards had already been filled, and vaccine card stock-out when the vaccine had been administered. We observed associations between education level, profession, and having co-wives, with the reporting of inaccurate vaccine cards. Women with business/professional/TBA occupations had higher odds of reporting vaccine card inaccuracies, along with more educated women. Our qualitative findings highlighted maternal lack of knowledge of vaccination schedule and forgetfulness about the vaccination schedule as common reasons for vaccine card inaccuracy. Conclusion We identified health system failures and caregiver barriers leading to inaccurate reports in vaccine cards. It is essential to sensitize caregivers and healthcare providers on the importance of accurately documenting vaccines and validating immunization recording systems.