BACKGROUND Patent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs) are widespread in communities and can potentially be used to expand access to routine immunization especially in underserved areas. In this study, we aimed to assess their readiness to implement routine immunization in Kano, Nigeria and identify factors associated with it. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PPMVs aged 18 years and above in Kano metropolis, Nigeria, using cluster sampling technique. A 10-item Likert scale-based measure was used to estimate readiness score. The relationship between selected factors and readiness score was examined using multilevel linear modeling technique. RESULTS A total of 455 PPMVs with median age of 36 years participated in the study. The median raw score for readiness was 4.7 (IQR: 4.3 - 4-8) (maximum obtainable was 5). The mean readiness score (obtained through factor analysis) was 5.28 (SD: 0.58). Readiness score was associated with factors such as knowledge of immunization and task demand, engagement by other public health programs among others. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of measuring the level of readiness for implementing routine immunization among PPMVs. Given the high level of readiness, policy makers should consider the possibility of expanding access to immunization through PPMVs.

中文翻译：

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评估在尼日利亚卡诺的专利和专有药品销售商中实施常规免疫的准备情况：一项具有理论依据的横断面研究。

背景技术专利和专利药品销售商（PPMV）在社区中很普​​遍，并且可以潜在地用于扩大常规免疫的获取范围，尤其是在服务不足的地区。在这项研究中，我们旨在评估他们准备在尼日利亚卡诺实施常规免疫的情况，并确定与之相关的因素。方法我们采用整群抽样技术，对尼日利亚卡诺市18岁及以上的PPMV进行了横断面调查。一项基于李克特量表的10项量度用于评估战备得分。使用多级线性建模技术检查了选择因素与准备得分之间的关​​系。结果共有455例中位年龄为36岁的PPMV参加了该研究。准备就绪状态的原始评分中位数为4.7（IQR：4.3-4-8）（最高可获得5分）。平均准备得分（通过因素分析获得）为5.28（标准差：0.58）。准备分数与诸如免疫知识和任务要求，其他公共卫生计划的参与等因素相关。结论这项研究证明了测量PPMV常规免疫准备水平的可行性。鉴于准备就绪程度很高，政策制定者应考虑是否有可能通过PPMV扩大获得免疫的机会。