Abstract:
Background: Immunization is a public health intervention with cost effective means to preventing childhood morbidity, mortality and disability. However, complete immunization coverage remains low particularly in rural areas of Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess factors associated with full child immunization in Amhara region
Method: The study design was community based cross-sectional study. Secondary data collected from mothers 12-23 months-old children’s during the end line survey conducted by Alive and Thrive in Amahra region were used. The total calculated sample size for this study was n= 462. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23; statistical approach including bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with full immunization. In multivariable analysis, statistically significant was set at p-value <0.05.
Result: The overall full immunization coverage was 64.7%. About 91.2% of the women received antenatal care, the odds of full immunization for the children 16-24 years mothers were 1.5 [AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.11] times more likely to complete immunization than age 35 and above children of mothers. Regarding place of delivery, a child get birth at health facility was 1.7 [AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.23] times more likely to be fully vaccinated than those who were born at home. When we compare mother’s occupation a child their mother was a housewife were 1.5 [AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.11] times more likely to complete immunization than a farmer’s mother child. A child mothers who get several times a week exposure to media were 1.4 [AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.07] times more likely vaccinate their child than a mother not at all exposed for media like radio.
Conclusion & Recommendation: The study found that the overall coverage of full immunization in Amhara regional state was far lower than the global target. Being housewives, maternal age, delivering in health facility, and exposing to media were found independent predicators of full immunization among 12–23 months old children. This research suggested that improved expanding access to institutional delivery and service expansion, encourage mothers to follow media on health and health related issues................................. Thesis available at ACIPH Library