Family factors associated with immunization uptake in children aged between twelve and fifty-nine months: a household survey in Kakamega Central district, Western Kenya

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In this study, we assessed immunization uptake and identified family factors associated with immunization in children aged between 12 and 59 months in Kakamega Central, Western Kenya. A cross sectional study was conducted in 13 sub-locations between June and July 2013. Data on 577 children were collected from their respective caregivers, by trained research assistants. The proportion of fully immunized children was 80.9% (95% confidence interval 76.9-85.3%). Immunization coverage was higher among caregivers who had completed secondary school (88%), those who had attended antenatal care clinics (81%) and children born in a health facility (85%). Some evidence was seen of increasing coverage with increasing socio-economic status. No evidence for a gender difference in coverage was seen. In the logistic regression model, the risk factors for incomplete immunization were: low educational level of the caregiver [adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=0.25; P<0.005], never attending any antenatal care (ANC) (AOR=0.14; P<0.05) and delivery outside of health facilities (AOR=0.40; P<0.005). Further inquiry is required into this area to fully comprehend the inextricable linkage between factors affecting immunization.