Determinants of immunization coverage among children aged 11-23 months in a refugee camp: a case of kakuma refugee camp

Abstract

Over 100 million children are immunized annually saving 3 million young lives a year, but 1.7 million unreached children still die each year due to the six immunizable diseases namely: Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping cough, Tuberculosis, and measles. Since mid 90,s there has been a gradual decline in the immunization coverage in developing countries due to multiple factors. In response to this, African countries started immunization schedules for children. No study has been done to determine factors that affect immunization coverage in a refugee setting. The study assessed immunization coverage and factors that determine immunization coverage in Kakuma Refugee Camp. A descriptive study was designed and the target populations were children aged 11-23 months, the mothers/guardians of those children and health workers. A total of 210 children were selected using standard EPI cluster survey methodology. Standard structured questionnaires were used to collect information. Chi test of significant and logistic regression analysis were applied to relate the factors and determine • the effect of variables. The study revealed that the immunization coverage was 76.2% which is higher than the national coverage of 51.5% and that of host community Turkana which is about 12%. About 63% of the mothers/guardians had inadequate knowledge .. and 22.7% had irrational attitude on immunization. However, religion and education of the mothers/guardians had statistical significance on immunization status of the child. The knowledge on EPI was low among the health workers with 78% having inadequate knowledge on immunization. The attitude (58%) and practices (58%) of the health workers were rational. There was statistical significance on the practice and the year of service of the health workers. The coverage was impressive but effort should be increased to raise the coverage to the global target. The study recommended that health education awareness campaigns should be conducted in the camp and in the host community and that regular refresher trainings should be conducted for the health workers who should be involved in the churches and mosques to deliver health education on immunization to congregation by involving the leaders