Poor maternal health service utilization associated with incomplete vaccination among children aged 12-23 months in Ethiopia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Complete vaccination, meaning the administration of all doses in a vaccination regimen, is one of the most cost-effective interventions to reduce under-age-five-years mortality and morbidity. However, only a few studies have investigated the magnitude and predictors of incomplete vaccination. This study aimed to identify those factors associated with incomplete vaccination among children aged 12–23 months in Kutaber District, south Wollo zone, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Kutaber District from August to September 2017. A total of 480 participants were selected using the stratified multi-stage sampling technique. A structured, pre-tested and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with incomplete vaccination. The prevalence of incomplete vaccination in this population was found to be 7.7%. The factors home delivery (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.21), children from mothers with no history of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccination (AOR = 5.26), living near the health post (AOR = 5.65), caregivers aged 19–26 years (AOR = 9.59), mothers/caregivers with no education (AOR = 3.71), and children from mothers with no Antenatal Care (ANC) follow-ups (AOR = 9.41) were found to be significantly associated with incomplete vaccination. The rate of incomplete vaccination was low as compared to the Ethiopian national report. Educational status of mother/caregiver, TT vaccination of mother, ANC follow-ups, place of delivery, and living near health facilities were significantly associated with incomplete vaccination. In light of these findings, the Ethiopian zonal health office and health care professionals should strengthen maternal health services to decrease the rate of defaulters from complete vaccination.