Factors Associated With Vaccination Status Of Children In Ga South Municipality

Abstract

Introduction High immunization coverage is essential in the control, elimination and eradication of vaccine preventable diseases. Though, immunization coverage rates have improved in recent times, there are pockets of poorly covered areas that could result in the build-up of susceptible children and possibly lead to disease outbreaks. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess factors associated with vaccination status of children in Ga South Municipality. Methods The study was an analytical cross-sectional survey among a sample of children aged between 12 - 23 months old in Ga South Municipality of Greater Accra Region. Vaccination card and maternal recall were used to assess vaccination status. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on child and maternal characteristics. Logistic regression model was used to assess the association between vaccination status and the explanatory variables. Results Two hundred and ten (210) mothers of children aged between 12 - 23 months old were interviewed from 30 clusters in Ga South Municipality. The vaccination records of all 210 children were also assessed. The coverage for fully vaccinated children by card and history was 88.6% (Card=90%, history=60%). One (0.5%) child did not received any vaccine at all. Incomplete vaccination was significantly associated with level of education of mother (AOR 5.24, 95% CI: 1.30; 2l.08), suitability of date for child welfare clinic (AOR 8.54, 95% CI: 1.67; 43.57), availability of vaccination card (AOR 22.69, 95% CI: 4.13; 124.76, p<O.OOOl), parity of mother (AOR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03; 2.18) and area of residence (AOR 8.41, 95% CI: 2.12; 33.32). Conclusion The vaccination coverage for children aged 12 - 23 months in Ga South Municipal is high. It however fell short of the recommended target of 90%. Level of education, parity, area of residence, availability of vaccination card and suitability of date for child welfare clinic were significantly associated with vaccination status. Recommendation The municipality should intensity information, education and communication activities to heighten awareness on routine immunization, encourage mothers to keep the vaccination cards of their children safely and also open more outreach points especially in rural areas in order to bring immunization services closer to people in these areas.