Factors Associated with Immunization Drop-Out Among Children of Two Months to Five Years of Age in Kwanza, Trans-Nzoia District, Kenya.

Abstract

Introduction Immunization is the cornerstone of healthcare policy and the most effective tool for the control and prevention of life-threatening infectious diseases. Objective Assessed the factors that are associated to immunization drop-out among children of two months to five years of age, in Kwanza division, Trans-nzoia district, Kenya .

Methodology A cross- sectional study design to collect data on factors associated to immunization drop-out among children of two months to five years of age. A convenient sampling method was adopted to select 288 caretakers into the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data and analyzed using SPSS16 version.

Results The study revealed that out of 288 caretakers interviewed, 65.6%( n=189) were found they didn’t complete the immunization schedule. Age of the respondent( p =0.000), marital status (p =0.002), level of education (0.000) ,employment status (p =0.000) ,and monthly income( p =0.000), were significant associated with immunization drop-out among respondent

Conclusion This study identified factors that are associated with immunization drop- out among children of two months to five years of age in Kwanza, Trans-Nzoia district, Kenya. These include socio-demographic factors, individual or parental related factors and health system related factors. This calls for advanced improved strategies in this district and other districts with similar environmental and social contexts.

Recommendations Health care workers should improve educational intervention aimed at immunization completion and this will improve routine vaccination completion. Policy makers should set up immunization sites in remote areas with the intend of providing a greater opportunity for children to access the services by reducing the distance to services.