Factors Contributing to Immunization Coverage in Assin North Municipality

ABSTRACT

Introduction Childhood immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions worldwide. It has contributed enormously to public health including the eradication of small pox and near eradication of poliomyelitis. High immunisation coverage is vital in the control, elimination and eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases which accounts for many childhood morbidities and mortalities worldwide. The introduction of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has made remarkable progress, which includes improvement of immunization coverage among infants and women resulting in a considerable reduction in morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. Though, immunisation coverage rates have improved in recent times, there are areas with poor coverage which may possibly lead to build-up of susceptible children and probably cause disease outbreak. Assin North is one of such places with poor immunisation coverage. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the factors contributing to low immunization coverage in Assin North Municipality. METHODS A cross sectional survey was conducted to collect data from 672 mothers or caregivers of children between the ages of 12-23 months from 30 randomly selected communities within the Assin north municipality using a structured questionnaire. Immunisation card and maternal recall were used to assess vaccination status. Chi square and logistic v regression models were used to assess the association between vaccination status and the independent variables. RESULTS The proportion of fully immunized children between the ages of 12-23 months in the Assin north district was 85.4 %( 574/672).The rest were partially immunized. Maternal factors that affected immunisation coverage included the maternal age, occupation, education level and knowledge on immunisation and vaccine preventable diseases. Reasons for immunisation failure included mothers too busy, unaware of the need to return for subsequent immunisation, and inconvenient immunisation schedules to the mothers. CONCLUSION The immunisation coverage for children aged 12-23 months in the Assin north municipal is high. It however, fell short of the recommended 90% target. Level of education and source of knowledge were significantly associated with immunisation status. RECOMMENDATION The municipality should intensify their health education on the importance of immunisation, and the schedules for subsequent vaccinations.