Abstract

IntroductionWhile the routine childhood immunization program might be affected by several factors, its identification using qualitative evidence of caretakers is generally minimal. This article explores the various factors and misperceptions of routine childhood immunization service uptake in Ethiopia and provides possible recommendations to mitigate them.MethodsIn this study, we used a qualitative multiple case study design collecting primary data from 63 focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with a purposefully selected sample of children's caretakers (n = 630).ResultsAccording to the results of this study, the use of routine childhood immunization is dependent on four major factors: caretakers' behavior, family characteristics, information and communication and immunization service system. In addition, the participants had some misperceptions about routine childhood immunization. For example, immunization should be taken when the child gets sick and a single dose vaccine is enough for a child. These factors and misperceptions are complex and sometimes context-specific and vary between categories of caretakers.ConclusionOur interpretations suggest that no single factor affects immunization service uptake alone in a unique way. Rather, it is the synergy among the factors that has a collective influence on the childhood immunization system. Therefore, intervention efforts should target these multiple factors simultaneously. Importantly, this study recommends improving the quality of existing childhood immunization services and building awareness among caretakers as crucial components.

Highlights

  • While the routine childhood immunization program might be affected by several factors, its identification using qualitative evidence of caretakers is generally minimal

  • This study addresses the following research questions; 1) What does childhood immunization practice seem in Ethiopia based on the caretakers' responses? 2) What are the factors and misperceptions associated with routine childhood immunization in Ethiopia based on the caretakers views and perspectives? 3.To what extent do caretakers'? responses on the factors and misperceived benefits of routine childhood immunization have similarities and differences across the different categories and administrative regions?

  • The study was conducted in all the nine regional states and two city administrations in Ethiopia via employing a qualitative case study design. This design has several advantages for this type of investigation allowing the researchers to build a holistic, detailed description and analysis of the factors associated with routine childhood immunization within its real world context [21]

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Summary

Introduction

While the routine childhood immunization program might be affected by several factors, its identification using qualitative evidence of caretakers is generally minimal. Immunization should be taken when the child gets sick and a single dose vaccine is enough for a child These factors and misperceptions are complex and sometimes context-specific and vary between categories of caretakers. Immunization program is one of the primary strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [1] It remains an unfinished business as dozens of studies reveal millions of children worldwide have not yet benefited from the protection vaccines are supposed to provide [2, 3]. This study addresses the following research questions; 1) What does childhood immunization practice seem in Ethiopia based on the caretakers' responses? 2) What are the factors and misperceptions associated with routine childhood immunization in Ethiopia based on the caretakers views and perspectives? 3.To what extent do caretakers'? responses on the factors and misperceived benefits of routine childhood immunization have similarities and differences across the different categories and administrative regions?

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