Incomplete immunization uptake and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in sub-Saharan African countries; multilevel analysis evidenced from latest demography and health survey data, 2023.

May 13, 2024

Experts: Tigist Kifle Tsegaw,Helen Birhan Alemaw,Yordanos Bitweded Wale,Solomon Gedlu Nigatu,Tilahun Yemanu Birhan,Asefa Adimasu Taddese

In 1974, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Expanded Program on Immunization to control vaccine-preventable diseases, saving millions of lives annually. However, the coverage of basic vaccines recommended by the WHO in Africa was only 75%, which fell short of the goal of 90% by 2015. To formulate effective policies and implementation programs to reduce incomplete vaccination rates, it is important to conduct a study to determine the factors contributing to incomplete immunization among children aged 12-23 months.
The study was conducted in 16 sub-Saharan African countries, using data extracted from the latest DHS data. It was a community-based cross-sectional survey that used two-stage stratified probability sampling sample designs. The vaccination coverage was assessed using vaccination cards and mother recalls. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the extent of incomplete immunization and the individual and community-level factors associated with partial immunization among children aged 12-23 months. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant predictors of incomplete immunization.
A total of 35, 193 weighted samples were used to determine the pooled prevalence of partial immunization. The pooled prevalence of incomplete immunization was 36.06%. In the final model factors significantly associated were: being uneducated mother(AOR:1.75;95%CI:1.48,2.05), being an unemployed mother (AOR:1.16;95%CI:1.09,1.23), no history of family planning utilization (AOR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.61, 1.84), non-antenatal care (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.58, 2.04), non-postnatal care (AOR: 1.25; 95%CI: 1.17, 1.35), rural residence(AOR:1.50;95%CI:1.37,1.63), home delivery (AOR: 2.04; 95%CI:1.89, 2.21), having children more than five (AOR: 1.56; 95%CI: 1.13, 2.17), and non-utilization of health insurance (AOR: 1.74; 95%CI: 1.48, 2.05).
The pooled prevalence of incomplete immunization was found to be high in this investigation. Based on the findings of the study we recommended that policymakers and stakeholders prioritize enhancing prenatal and postnatal care, contraception, and reducing home birth rates to minimize the rate of incomplete immunization.

© 2024. The Author(s).

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ABOUT THE EXPERTS

Tigist Kifle Tsegaw,Helen Birhan Alemaw,Yordanos Bitweded Wale,Solomon Gedlu Nigatu,Tilahun Yemanu Birhan,Asefa Adimasu Taddese

Tigist Kifle Tsegaw

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Helen Birhan Alemaw

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Yordanos Bitweded Wale

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Solomon Gedlu Nigatu

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Tilahun Yemanu Birhan

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia. yemanu.tilahun@gmail.com.

Asefa Adimasu Taddese

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.