Research Article
Bizuneh Ayano
Abstract
Abstract Background: Assessment of Immunization status and associated factors is rare in some regions of Ethiopia. Objective: To Measure fully immunization status and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months old in Hosanna Town, South Ethiopia was done. Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted from January 26 to February 21, 2014 in Hosanna town. First using multi-stage sampling then by simple random sampling methods a total of 508 children of aged between 12-23 months from 508 households was selected. Results: From total children surveyed only 155 (30.51%) were fully vaccinated by card plus history. study showed that children are more likely to be fully vaccinated if mothers/care takers attended > 3ANC follow up AOR = 1.62 (AOR 95% CI: 1.34, 1.965), vaccinated Tetanus toxoid AOR = 1.271 (AOR 95 % CI: 1.062, 1.522), Children are less likely to be fully vaccinated if Mothers’ have poor knowledge of EPI AOR = 0.594 (AOR 95 % CI 0.394, 0.894), mothers knew two or less vaccine preventable diseases AOR = 0.421 (AOR 95 % CI: 0.243, 0.727), knew only three or four vaccine preventable diseases AOR = 0.539 (AOR 95% CI: 0.318, 0.914). Conclusion: This study revealed that from total survey only155 (30.51%) was fully vaccinated by card plus history. Antenatal follow up, Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination status, mothers’ knowledge of EPI, age to begin, finishes and session needed for immunization were significant predictors associated with fully immunization of children. The Town Health Office should work to raise awareness of the community on immunization, antenatal care and Tetanus Toxoid Immunization utilizations which in turns increase the immunization coverage among children.