Determinants of Complete Vaccinations of Children 24-35 Months in GA East Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Background Vaccination undoubtedly remains one of the most cost-effective ways of decreasing child morbidity and mortality globally. Ga East Municipality is one of the districts with a low operational vaccination coverage in the Greater Accra Region. The municipality in 2015 recorded 71%, 78% and 74% as its BCG, Penta3 and Measles 2 vaccination coverage. Accumulation of unvaccinated population lowers herd immunity thereby lead to disease outbreaks. This study sought the factors associated with childhood vaccination completion among children 24-35months in the Ga East Municipality. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study that employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data was collected from 330 caregivers of children aged 24-35 months living in the Ga East Municipality. A simple random and systematic probability sampling methods was used to select participants. Questionnaires that included respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics, number of Antenatal Care visits, Post Natal Care attendance, knowledge on vaccine preventable diseases and place of delivery was administered to caregivers in their homes. A qualitative data was collected through a nonParticipant observation approach and a key informant interview. Data on service delivery factors such as availability of Child Welfare Clinics, availability and access to Childhood vaccines were collected. Results A total of 330 caregivers with children aged 24-35 months of age participated in this study. The mean age of caregivers was 31.0 years (standard deviation, SD) ±5.3). The vaccination completion rate was 80.3% (265/330) and with the exception of measles2 which recorded 82.7% (272/330) coverage all other antigens coverage was above 95%. Intermittent shortage xi of vaccines was also observed. Those who were married (aOR=2.4, 95% CI 1.15-5.50), those with education less than Senior High School (SHS) (aOR=0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.85), receiving tetanus toxoid during pregnancy (aOR=1.6, 95% CI 1.12-4.44), and receiving Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) related education at Post Natal Clinic (PNC) (aOR=2.34 [Cl=1.13-4.86]) were factors associated with complete vaccination in this study. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest that with the exception of measles2, Ga East Municipality has a good vaccine coverage among children 24-35 months. Attaining at least a Senior High education, receiving Tetanus toxoid (TT), having a satisfactory knowledge and being given education on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) at Post Natal Clinic (PNC) were the factors associated with vaccination completion among children 24-35 months in this study. Service providers should intensify education on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs at the various Post Natal Clinic (PNC) and other service delivery points. The Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI) manager must ensure constant supply of vaccine and ensure adequate cold chain facilities.