Factors Affecting on Immunization Compliance: Iraq

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objectives:</strong> To evaluate immunization status and to identify the family and child demographic factors associated with immunization rate in Iraqi children younger than two years. <strong>Method:</strong> A cross-sectional and a cluster sampling design were implemented; five hundred twenty-eight representative Iraqi families with children between 18 and 70 months of age were interviewed in five public health clinics in Mosul-Iraq. Demographic characteristics of the child and family, and the child&rsquo;s immunization history were obtained. Immunization rate or completeness was assessed. Risk factors for partial immunization for the 1-5-3-4-1-1 vaccine series were explored using bivariate analyses and multi-level logistic regression models. <strong>Results:</strong> Less than half of the children had one missed dose, considered as partial immunization cases. The study found significant associations of immunization completeness with fathers and mother&rsquo;s education level, mother&rsquo;s race and family income. Number of preschool children, family income, father&rsquo;s education, mother&rsquo;s education and marital status were found that strongly impacted on immunization completeness. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> There is a need to increase awareness about the benefits and importance of vaccination, as well as the harmful consequences of partial immunization. <strong>Key word:</strong> Immunization Status; Iraqi Child; Complete Immunization; Partial Immunization; Family and Child Factors