Determinants of full child immunization among 12-23 months old in Nigeria.

Abstract

Although childhood immunization is considered important for improving child survival, most morbidity and mortality in children are due to vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, poliomyelitis, whooping cough, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and tetanus. Globally, immunization coverage has increased during the past decade, but in developing countries including Nigeria, the coverage is still unacceptably low. It is therefore important to recognize the factors that are associated with full child immunization in Nigeria with a view to reduce child mortality in Nigeria and also to make the life of these children better. The study used the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey children’s data. A total of 4,520 children aged between 12- 23 months delivered by 4,520 women aged 15-49 years formed the analysis sample. The dependent variable was full child immunization constructed from a number of variables on uptake of the various WHO recommended immunizations (coded 0 – No and 1 – Yes). Binary logistic regression model was used to identify the critical determinants of full child immunization status. Results show that only about 22% of the children received full immunization. The significant determinants of full child immunization were religion, residence, place of delivery, antenatal visit, mother’s occupation, mother’s education, as well as mother’s age, household wealth and region of residence. In conclusion, Full child immunization coverage is low but had increased in Nigeria. The children in households with low income, where the mothers were single, where the mothers were Muslims, where the mothers were without formal education were less likely to be fully immunized. These groups need to be further targeted for a more complete immunization for children.