Factors Responsible for Missed Opportunities of Immunization among Children 0-5 Years in Mgbundukwu Health Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract

Immunization over the years has been so effective that its ability to save lives of under-five children globally and more has promoted its usage all over the world especially in the developing countries. The aim of the study was to determine the factors responsible for missed opportunities of immunization among children of 0-5 years in Mgbundukwu Model Primary Health Center, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study was guided by four objectives and research questions. The study employed a descriptive survey design. A sample size of 120 was drawn using simple random sampling technique and data was collected using a self-developed structured questionnaire. The Standard World Health Organization, Expanded Programme on Immunization (WHO EPI) protocol was used for assessing missed opportunities for immunization. Data obtained were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The result showed that majority of mothers (94.0%) have heard of National Programme on Immunization (NPI), mothers who had heard of immunization from the health facilities had the highest percentage of 55.0%. The result also shows an increased prevalence of missed opportunity for immunization 61(61.0%), missed opportunity for immunization was more common for OPV3 (13.33%) compared to other vaccines, the factors responsible for the missed opportunity for immunization were failure to attend antenatal care and home delivery, concern about vaccine safety, long distance trekking/walking to health center, long waiting time, lack of money, lack of vaccine at the health center when visited and lack of information about day of immunization. It was recommended that health awareness campaign targeted at caretakers on the importance of immunization should be carried out regularly and government should encourage community participation in immunization programmes.