Full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months in Wogera district, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Immunization is considered one of the most affordable health initiatives for children. Though there is good progress in Ethiopia, the amount of fully vaccinated children, is still below the target. Possible challenges include women having home visits and men’s’ involvement in vaccination uptake. Therefore, this study aimed to determine full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12- 23 months in Wogera districts, Northwest Ethiopia.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months, and to assess the level of immunization coverage and its determinants in Wogera districts, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wogera district from May 28-June 25/2020. Cluster sampling method was used to recruit 598 study participants. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with full immunization. Odds ratios with 95% Confidence intervals were used to determine significant variables.
Results: A total of 584 mothers who had children aged 12-23 months participated in this study. The full immunization coverage was 76.5% (95%CI 73.2-79.8). Mother age >40 years (AOR=7.37, 95% CI: 1.65, 32); mothers who initiate vaccine uptake(woman empowerment) (AOR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39); mothers who had 1-3 ANC visit (AOR=2.51, 95% CI:1.14, 5.52), and 4+ ANC follow up (AOR=2.73,95% CI: 1.26, 5.91); r health extension worker's home visit during the first weeks of postpartum period (AOR=1.76,95% CI:1.10, 2.84), and males involved in child immunization (AOR=3.27, 95% CI:1.84, 5.81) was positively associated with being fully vaccinated , however, birth order of 6 and above (AOR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.86) was negatively associated with being fully vaccinated.
Conclusion: In this study, the full immunization coverage is found to be suboptimal, and it is far from the expected national target coverage. Maternal health care uptake; women empowerment; home visits by HEW during the first week of the postpartum period and male involvement in child immunization were found to be predictors of being fully vaccinated. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-3):16-27]
Keywords: Full immunization, Children12-23 months, Northwest Ethiopia, Male involvement