Socio-Cultural Factors Associated with Incomplete Routine Immunization of Children _ Amach Sub-County, Uganda

Abstract

Immunization is one of the worlds’s most cost-effective health interventions that help prevent childhood diseases. However, many infants are not usually fully vaccinated especially in developing countries. This contributes to the mortality of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD) in children. The study examined the socio-cultural factors that are associated with incomplete routine immunization of children aged 0–1 year old in Amach Sub-County, Lira District _ Uganda. An analytical cross-sectional-mixed study among a sample of 326 parents and three health workers were made. Simple random sampling and purposive techniques were used to select the respondents. In-depth interviews, focus group discussion and Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data. A modified Poisson regression model was used to compute the prevalence ratios. Variables were analyzed at bivariate and multivariate levels for their association with incomplete immunization. Incomplete immunization was at 27.3%. Marital status (p = 0.05), wealth level (p = 0.001), and side effects of vaccines was found to be associated with incomplete routine immunization. Age, occupation, education, religion, utilization of other health services, family structure, and support, gender, accessibility, and health education were not found to be associated with incomplete routine immunization. Incomplete immunization rate is quite high in Amach Sub-county.