Factors influencing vaccination coverage among children aged 2- 5 years in Msambweni sub-county, Kwale county-Kenya

Abstract

Background: While vaccination currently averts an estimated 2-3 million deaths every year an estimated 21.8 million infants worldwide are still missing out on basic vaccines. In Kwale County, particularly Msambweni Sub County, vaccination coverage among under five children is 77% compared with recommended of 80% for rural and 90% urban.
Objective: To determine factors influencing vaccination coverage among children aged two to five years in Msambweni Sub-County, Kwale County, Kenya.
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Study Setting: Four wards of Msambweni Sub-County, Kwale County, Kenya
Study Subjects/participants: A total of 399 households were selected using Probability Proportional to Size sampling in the 4 wards. Systematic sampling technique was employed, and 11 health workers were interviewed, within the Wards. Data was collected using structured questionnaires through door to door visits. Observation checklist was used to supplement data.
Results: Fully/complete vaccination coverage was 63.7% while specific antigen were as follows: BCG - 87%, Pentavalent 1- 82%, Pentavalent 2 - 82.5%, and Pentavalent 3 -80% and measles- 65.6%. Mothers/caregivers who rated vaccination not very importance were OR=0.64(95% CI 0.43 to 0.97) P=0.037, while mothers /caregivers age was significantly associate with unimmunized where OR=0.39(95% CI 0.18 to 0.65) P=0.001.
Conclusion: The proportion of fully vaccination children was far below the WHO’s target of 80% however, measles coverage remains low. Knowledge on the importance of vaccination, numbers of living children, side effect of vaccine and mothers /caregivers age were significant associated with vaccination coverage. Therefore, interventions need to focus on these factors to improve vaccination coverage in future.