Correlates of uptake of routine immunization amongst under-five children: comparison of nomadic and non-nomadic fulani in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Immunization is an important public health intervention that reduces morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine
preventable diseases (VPDs). This study aimed to determine and compare the correlates of routine immunization uptake among under-five children of nomadic and non-nomadic Fulani in Yobe State, Nigeria.
Methodology: A multistage sampling technique was used to study the eligible caregivers and under-five children in the selected households using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, observation for the child immunization card, or a recall of immunization history. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 22.0 with a statistical significance set at p≤5%.
Results: The response rate among nomadic and non-nomadic Fulani was (348/348, 100% vs. 345/348, 99%).The Penta 1 uptake based on routine immunization cards among nomadic and non-nomadic under-five children was (23.6% vs.76.4% P<0.001).Availability of the
vaccine (adjusted odds ratio = 22, 95% confidence interval = 13.7–35.5), the purpose of vaccination (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95%
confidence interval = 1.1–3.4), vaccines safety (adjusted odds ratio = 17.3, 95% confidence interval = 10.0–29.8), and friendly healthcare
workers (adjusted odds ratio = 18.8, 95% confidence interval = 11.3–31.3) were found to be independent predictors facilitating uptake of
routine immunization among nomadic and non-nomadic under-five children, while long distance to the health facility (adjusted odds ratio =9.6, 95% confidence interval = 6.6–14.0), lack of knowledge on immunization (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.42.9), fear of side effect (adjusted odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–2.5), were independent barriers to uptake of routine
immunization among nomad and non-nomadic under-five children.
Conclusions: Vaccine uptake is still a problem among nomads and non-nomadic under-five children. The government and relevant
stakeholders should ensure a strategy for improved outreach services to all the nomads and hard-to-reach settlements.