Abstract:
Background: Studies have shown that immunisation is among the best practices of
increasing human immunity globally. However, the achievement of full coverage of
immunisation in third world countries has remained a very big problem to grapple with.
Aim: The research was conducted to ascertain factors influencing immunization coverage
in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality in the Greater Accra Region.
Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study using quantitative method and using a multi
stage sampling technique, the investigator recruited 227 participants from communities in
the municipality to participate in the research. This included mothers or caregivers of
children who were aged 12 to 23 months; and who were residents of the municipality for at
least one year. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data, and analysed
quantitatively using STATA Version 15. The results were displayed using frequency
distribution tables, and charts. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and logistic regression model were
conducted to establish association between the dependent and independent variables.
Results: It was revealed that whilst majority of the respondents understood the importance
of immunization exercises, they non-the-less failed to comply because of the remoteness of
the outreach centres, the lack of money to commute to-and-from the outreach centres, the
time taken to access services, among others. Most importantly, the result shows that
responsiveness of healthcare professionals accounted most for the hesitance of the
respondents to immunize their children. Working mothers and rural dwellers also had a
higher tendency of missing out on immunization schedules.
Conclusion: In the Ledzokuku-krowor Municipality of Greater Accra Region, the
immunization coverage for children aged 12-23 months is high, but did not achieve the
intended goal of 95%. Immunization coverage in Ghana can be enhanced when educational
campaigns are intensified, and extended to remote areas. A non-formal educational scheme can be developed at community levels to create awareness among the uneducated about the
benefits of immunization and antenatal care services; as well as dangers associated with
taking traditional medications during pregnancy. Finally, several outreach centres can be
established across the country to resolve the problem of overcrowding during immunization
exercises.
