Determinants of Incomplete Vaccination among Children Aged 12-23 Months olds in Central Ethiopia

Determinants of incomplete vaccination among children

Abstract

Introduction: Incomplete vaccination poses an increased risk to children in terms of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, in Ethiopia, achieving full vaccination, which includes all recommended vaccines, remains a significant public health challenge. Unfortunately, there is a lack of evidence regarding the factors contributing to incomplete vaccination among children in the study area.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the determinants of incomplete vaccination among children aged 12–23 months in the Silti district, located in Central Ethiopia, in 2022.Methods: From September 1 to 30, 2022, a community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted. A total of 477 children aged 12–23 months (159 cases and 318 controls) were selected using stratified random sampling from nine kebeles. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with mothers to collect data. Data completeness was ensured through manual checks, and it was then coded and inputted into Epi-data software version 4.6. The data were exported to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent factors associated with incomplete vaccination in children. The significance of the determinants within the final model was determined using a 95% confidence interval and a p-value threshold of < 0.05. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were used to quantify the strength of associations.Results: The study revealed that the determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination included mothers who did not receive postnatal care (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.46–6.6), mothers who had low participation in women's development groups (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.63–4.6), mothers with limited knowledge of child vaccination (AOR = 3.92, 95% CI = 2.26–6.6), mothers who did not graduate as a model family (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI = 2.6-7.6), and children born at home (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.5-6.41).Conclusion: The determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination in this study were mothers who did not attend postnatal care, poor maternal knowledge about child vaccination, lower maternal participation levels in women's development groups, mothers who did not graduate as a model family, and children born at home. To reduce childhood incomplete vaccination, it is important for all stakeholders to take action.