Determining Factors of Full Immunization of Children among 12-23 Months Old in Rural Ethiopia

Abstract

Immunization is a confirmed instrument for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases. It is one of the most cost-effective health investments, with recognized strategies that make it accessible to even the most hard-to-reach and exposed populations. Globally, immunization coverage has increased during the past decade, but in developing countries including Ethiopia, the coverage is still very low. The general objective of this study was to assess and identify factors associated with full immunization among children aged 12-23 months in rural Ethiopia. The study used the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey children’s data. A study was conducted on total of 5,063 children aged between 12- 23 months born to 5,063 women aged 15-49 years. The result revealed that only about 34.9% of the children in rural Ethiopia received full immunization. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify the critical determinants of full child immunization status and the result confirmed that region, mother’s education, antenatal care, religion, household wealth, delivery place as well as mother’s age significantly influenced full immunization of children. In conclusion, Full child immunization coverage is low but it is increasing in rural Ethiopia. The children in households with low income, and those born to mothers without formal education were less likely to be fully immunized. These groups need to be further targeted for a more comprehensive immunization for children.