Evaluation of the Cold Chain Expanded Program on Immunization at Governmental and Private Health Care Centers in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, 1442H- 2020G

Introduction

Vaccine storage is essential to ensure optimal vaccine effectiveness. Cold chain is designed to keep the vaccine at the correct temperature till it reaches the user. Objective To evaluate the current status of the Cold Chain Expanded Program on Immunization at Government and Private Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2021 in a sample of 80 governmental and private PHCs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A stratified random sampling technique was used. Data collection was carried out using standardized check list developed by Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and World Health Organization (WHO). For statistical analysis p-value - chi-square, mean and t-test using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 were used.

Results

The results showed that the mean score of Room and Refrigerator Elements for governmental PHCs was 8.8(±0.82), while it was 8.3(±1.86) for private PHCs. The mean temperature monitoring device score for government PHCs was 4.0 (0.0), and the 3.65 (±0.92) for PHCs centers. The mean temperature chart (record keeping) score for governmental PHCs was 2.55(±0.5) and 1.8(±1.2) for private PHCs. The mean maintenance and operations score for governmental PHCs was 4.6 (±0.49), while it was 4.1 (±0.84) for private PHCs. The mean scores of all cold chain components differed significantly between government and private facilities (p=0.000).

Conclusion

When compared to private PHCs, governmental PHCs in Riyadh city are currently more compliant in implementing the guidelines, established by the WHO and the Saudi Ministry of Health.