Prevalence of incomplete vaccination and associated factors among children aged 24-35 months in Dale woreda, Sidama region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Immunization is one of the cost-effective public health interventions. Though Ethiopia offers free immunization services, only a small percentage of people have received all the recommended vaccinations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of incomplete vaccination and associated factors among children aged 24-35 months in the Dale woreda of Sidama region, Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 05-23, 2022. Four hundred forty-one caregivers of children aged between 24-35 months were included from ten kebeles. Caregivers were selected by using a systematic sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data through interviews. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Results: The prevalence of incomplete vaccination among children aged 24-35 months was 37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32%, 42%). Married caregivers had 96% lesser odds to have children with e incomplete vaccination (AOR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.715]). Other significant factors were the number of ANC visits (AOR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.8), the number of PNC visits (AOR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0008, 0.33), employment status (AOR: 0.004; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.19), place of delivery (AOR:0.1; 95% CI: 0.013, 0.86), satisfaction rate (AOR:8.8; 95% CI: 2.2, 3.5) and educational status (AOR : 0.02; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.13).

Conclusion: In the current study, the proportion of children with incomplete vaccination among children aged 24-35 months was high. The identified factors should be the focus of programs and policies to enhance childhood immunization uptake.