Factors associated with incomplete childhood immunization among children under five years in Mawogola county Ssembabule district

Abstract

Immunization is a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life- threatening infectious diseases and is estimated to avert 2 to 3million deaths each year. World Health Organization recommended that children receive the complete schedule of vaccination before five years of age and a child who does not complete the full dozes are considered to be partially immunized. To determine the socio-demographic factors associated with incomplete childhood immunization of children under five years in Mawogola County, Ssembabule district between July, 2018 and June, 2019. The immunization status was determined by interviewing mothers who were selected by employing cluster probability sampling technique. A sample of 260 respondents was used. A review of immunization history was done for confirmation from immunization cards of children. A focus group discussion with the health service providers was conducted.Outcome measure was incomplete immunization schedule from child’s vaccination card under five years. The proportion of children who did not complete immunization was at 6.9%. The study found that gender of caretakers of children was associated with incomplete childhood immunization (p=0.046).More females, 12(4.7%) out of 18, didn’t complete immunization of their children. Female gender was twice more likely not to complete immunization of their children (COR=2.13, 95% CI (146, 3.05)). Marital status of caretakers was associated with incomplete childhood immunization, with more of those who were married, 7(4.9%) out 18, of them who didn’t complete immunization being married couples (p=0.01). Knowing the schedules of all vaccines was associated with incomplete childhood immunization (p=0.04). Caretakers who didn’t know vaccine schedules were 6times more likely not to complete immunization (COR=6.30 at 95% CI (2.32, 1.80)), even if, more of those who knew the schedule, 11(4.7%) out of 18, didn’t complete immunization. Knowing the vaccine side effects was associated with incomplete childhood immunization (p=0.01), with those who knew being 1.5times more likely not to complete immunization (COR=1.49, 95% CI (0.85,2.56)) and in deed more of them, 13(23.2%) out of 18, never completed immunization. Fewer (5 out of 18) of those who never knew vaccine side effect missed to complete immunization. Immunization coverage in Mawogola has improved compared to previous reports, the challenge however completion of the immunization schedule is still low. Policy makers should identify children at risk of low immunization coverage and obstacles of receiving antenatal care, implement educational interventions targeting on less educated parents since most of mothers in Mawogola are illiterate, and conduct mass immunization campaigns for timely and complete immunization.