DETERMINANTS OF INCOMPLETE VACCINATION AMONG CHILDREN AGED 12 TO 23 MONTHS IN GEDEB HASASA DISTRICT, WEST ARSI ZONE, SOUTHEAST ETHIOPIA: a case-control study

Abstract

Vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to reduce childhood morbidity, mortality, and disability. However; each year, 20 million infants do not receive a full course of basic vaccines globally and full immunization coverage of Ethiopia (43%) in 2019 has remained below its expected target (90%). Despite the national and global efforts, fully vaccination of children remains low in the country including the study area. Objective: To assess determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination among children aged 12-23 months in Gedeb Hasasa district, west Arsi zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods: Community based case control study was conducted from August 1 to 30, 2021. A total of 289 children (97 incomplete and 192 complete) were selected from 7 randomly selected kebeles in the district. Data were collected using a pre tested structured questionnaire from mothers/caretakers of the child and by observation from vaccination cards by trained data collectors. Data were double-entered into EpiData-3.1 and analyzed by Statistical package for social science version-20. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify determinants of incomplete vaccination; we considered factors with p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval to be statistically significant. Result: A total of 96 incomplete and 190 complete children were included in the study. The mean age (standard deviation) of incomplete was 17.51±4.03 and those of complete were 17.16±3.55. This study revealed that incomplete childhood vaccination had statistical significant association with none antenatal care (ANC) visit (AOR=2.79; 95%CI=1.02-7.60), home delivery (AOR=2.26; 95%CI=1.10-4.66), none postnatal care (PNC) checkup (AOR=3.30; 95%CI=1.44-7.53), and poor knowledge about vaccinations (AOR=2.57; 95%CI= 1.39-4.73). Conclusion: Result showed that health service utilization and vaccination knowledge related factor is associated with incomplete childhood vaccination. Gedeb Hasasa district health office, health care providers and stakeholders should strengthen maternal health service utilization and health education activities about vaccination