Demographic Factors Related to Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Uptake Among Children Attending Immunization Services

Abstract

The study sought to determine demographic factors related to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine uptake among children attending immunization services. This was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based quantitative and qualitative study. The study was conducted in Maternal Child Health (MCH) clinic and pediatric wards. It involved parents/caregivers (n= 104) bringing their children to the hospital. Simple random sampling was used to identify parent’s/guardian respondents. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from the correspondents. A key informant interview with the nurse in charge was also conducted. Data were analyzed using the software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0 computer package.  Research results were presented in frequency distribution tables, graphs pie charts and other forms of descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed that immunization uptake was statistically significantly associated with parity. The occupation of the guardian however didn’t show any significance to vaccine uptake. This study recommends that: For PCV to reach effectively every child parents/guardians would need updated information tailored to the understanding of pneumonia disease burden and prevention. Information on PCV must be provided by well-informed and experience health personnel. Increase awareness in the community through increased sensitization and mass campaigns

Keywords: Demographic factors, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Parity, Occupation, Immunization services