Impact of a Community-Clinic Intervention on Immunization-Related Behavior

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to: 1) discuss the impact of a community-clinic intervention on immunization-related behavior among African Americans (AA) in South Los Angeles and 2) identify prevailing immunization misperceptions in AA communities.

Background:
In 2005, the African American Immunization Collaborative was developed to reduce immunization disparities and enhance immunization-related behaviors among AAs in South Los Angeles, through community outreach/education and clinic case-management.

Objectives:
To assess the community impact of immunization promotion delivered by Immunization Care Coordinators, as measured by knowledge/attitudes/behaviors (KAB).

Methods:
KAB was assessed through interviewer-administered questionnaires with AA parents of children (<3 years) in four clinics/offices that were identified as trusted source of medical care and that serve a significant percentage of AAs in the target community (Total clinics in area: 7). Baseline KAB was measured in 2005, followed by a 2007 evaluation.

Results:
KAB analysis included 281 respondents in 2005 (94% response rate) and 291 in 2007 (97% response rate). Among respondents in 2007, 9% could not identify any VPDs, compared to 19% in 2005. Knowledge of between 1 and 3 VPDs increased 26% (2005: 39%; 2007: 49%). Of 2007 respondents, 62% voiced the role that immunizations play in keeping children healthy and 90% believed young children were especially at risk for VPDs, compared to 42% and 83%, respectively, in 2005. Beliefs that immunizations prevent common illnesses like colds (2005: 20%, 2007: 25%) and that some immunizations are more harmful than others (2005: 14%; 2007: 21%) persisted. Among 2007 respondents, 42% reviewed immunization records to determine when shots were due and 12% received clinic reminders, compared to 34% and 9%, respectively, in 2005.

Conclusions:
Results indicated increases in knowledge and practices; however, immunization misperceptions among AAs persist. Multi-disciplinary, targeted interventions are critical, in order to foster behavioral change.