Factors Influencing Immunization in Children Attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District, Western Uganda

Abstract

The study aimed to identify factors affecting immunization in children under one year of age at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda. 418 child-caregiver pairs were recruited, and data was collected, coded, and entered into Epi info version 7. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for analysis. Factors associated with immunization coverage were determined through bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The majority of caretakers were female (100%), with the majority of children aged 4-6 months. The majority of caretakers were between the ages of 21 and 29, had at least a secondary education, were married, housewives, and had more than two children. 69.8% of children had been fully vaccinated for the recommended time, while 14.1% and 16.1% had not been vaccinated at all. Factors affecting immunization completion included secondary education or higher, attending postnatal care sessions, delivery from a designated health facility, and good vaccination knowledge of the caregiver. 69.8% of children aged one year and below are fully vaccinated for the recommended time. Keywords: Immunization of children, Health facility, Child deaths, Caregivers, Postnatal care