Peer-reviewed article
Vaccination coverage among children aged 1-59 months admitted to four health facilities in Brazzaville
Judicaël Kambourou, Herling Houando, Aymar Pierre Gildas Oko, Gilius Axel Aloumba, Jethro Massala Peya et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
Limitations
Abstract
Background: Immunization is an effective intervention for preventing morbidity and complications associated with infectious diseases in children. Objectives were to contribute to improving vaccination coverage among children aged 1-59 months admitted to hospitals in Brazzaville. Methods: A cross-sectional study on childhood vaccination coverage was conducted between January and October 2021 in four health facilities in Brazzaville. Children aged 1-59 months who were hospitalized and whose parents provided consent were included. Study variables included sociodemographic characteristics, parental knowledge of immunization, and children’s vaccination status. Statistical tests used were chi-square and odds ratio with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: A total of 217 children were included, 53% of whom were boys (sex ratio=1.1). Children older than 2 years accounted for 36.4% (n=79). The rate of vaccination card ownership was 48.4% (n=105). Among these, 75.2% (n=79) were up to date with their vaccines up to the age of 9 months. The dropout rate between BCG and measles vaccine (VAR) was 53.3%, and the lowest coverage was observed for measles and yellow fever vaccines at 46.7% (n=49). Gender, maternal education level, and mothers’ knowledge of target diseases significantly influenced vaccination coverage (p<0.05). Conclusions: Improving the low vaccination coverage among children aged 1-59 months requires revitalizing the expanded program on immunization (EPI).