Factors Influencing Full Immunization Coverage among under Five Years Children in Mogadishu, Somalia  

Jazeera University, Mogadishu, Somalia

^*Corresponding Author

Mohamed Hayir Tahlil Mohamud

Jazeera University

Mogadishu

Somalia

Tell: +252615445949

Email: xayir070@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Immunization is amongst the most cost effective public health interventions for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. However, various reports show that 9 million children die globally due to vaccine-preventable disease, in which a bigger proportion occurred in sub-Saharan Africa with 4.4 million deaths. Therefore, this study aimed to assess barriers for full vaccination coverage among under five years children in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July, 2019 in Mogadishu-Somalia. Two-stage cluster sampling with systematic random sampling was used to select 820 households. Data was collected through structured, interviewer administrator questionnaire. In case more eligible children were found at single selected household, one child was randomly selected and the information related to immunization was obtained from his/her caregiver.

Results: The overall, fully immunized under five years children was found to be 45.2%. Using Multivariate logistic regression models, being a younger caregiver (β=-0.019, P-value=0.042), married caregiver [(AOR=4.101, 95%CI: 1.062-15.835, P-value=0.041), Father with Secondary & above education (AOR=1.755, 95%CI:1.161-2.655, P-value=0.008), a younger child (β=-0.018, P-value=0.011), children from birth order of fifth & above (AOR=1.539, 95%CI:1.011-2.343, P-value=0.044), high family income(β=0.003, P-value=0.000), Availability of vaccine at the time of visit to the health centre (AOR=6.118, 95% CI:1.931-19.381, P-value=0.002), affordability of vaccine related Cost (AOR=1.938, 95% CI:1.230-3.053, P-value=0.004), Being born at health facility (AOR=1.519, 95%CI:1.105-2.088, P-value=0.010), caregivers good Knowledge on immunization (AOR =1.125, 95%CI:1.070-1.181, P-value=0.001), caregivers’ good Practice on immunization  (AOR=2.756, 95%CI:2.233-3.402, P-value=0.001) and caregivers’ good Perception on immunization (AOR=4.976, 95%CI:2.183-11.340, P-value=0.001) were found to increase the immunization coverage of the children.

Conclusion: The result of this study has revealed that the proportion of fully immunized under five children in Mogadishu is very low. Several socio-demographic, health centres related and socio-cultural factors were found to barriers for full immunization coverage. Steps to promote Health education and vaccine availability should be launched.

Keywords: Barriers, full Immunization, Coverage

Download the full article (PDF)