Peer-reviewed article
Investigating predictors and barriers to vaccine uptake in children at Konye Health District, South West region Cameroon.
Rosaline Manka, Samuel Nkengfua, Mambi Anna Tchoye, Apungwa Cornelius Ntabe, Ghangha Jamin Ghangha et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined why vaccination rates are low in Konye Health District, Cameroon, where only 31.5% of children are fully vaccinated despite global targets of 90%. Researchers surveyed 412 caregivers of children aged 0-59 months and found that keeping vaccination appointments, higher household income, and understanding vaccine side effects were linked to children being fully vaccinated. Barriers included long travel distances, transportation difficulties, fear of side effects, and disruptions from conflict in the region.
Key points
- Only 58% of surveyed children were fully immunized, falling short of the 90% global target
- Respecting all vaccination appointments was the strongest predictor of complete vaccination (odds ratio 20.37)
- Higher household income increased odds of complete vaccination by 3.38 times
- Understanding vaccine side effects increased odds of complete vaccination by 4.54 times
- Major barriers included long travel distances, transportation difficulties, fear of side effects, and conflict-related disruptions
Limitations
This cross-sectional study captures associations at a single point in time and cannot establish causation. The findings are specific to Konye Health District during a crisis period and may not generalize to other settings or stable contexts.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Global immunization initiatives aim for ≥ 90% national and ≥ 80% district-level vaccine coverage; however, uptake remains low in crisis-affected settings like Konye Health District, where only 31.5% of children are completely vaccinated. This study examined socio-demographic, health service, and contextual determinants of vaccination uptake, highlighting the importance of understanding context-specific barriers in settings affected by sociopolitical instability. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted from March to May 2023 among 412 caregivers of children aged 0-59 months. Quantitative data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status, while qualitative data provided in-depth insights into caregiver experiences and contextual challenges. Four health areas were selected through multistage sampling, with caregivers systematically recruited. Community health workers (CHWs), healthcare providers, and facility leaders were purposively selected for qualitative interviews. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent factors associated with vaccination complete vaccination status. Qualitative data from three focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed thematically to explain and complement quantitative findings. RESULTS: From 412 participants, 58% were fully immunized. Vaccination completion was significantly associated with respecting all vaccination appointments (AOR = 20.37, 95% CI: 8.63-48.12), Higher household income (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.57-7.30) and recognizing vaccine side effects (AOR = 4.54, 95% CI: 2.23-9.25). Qualitative findings explained these patterns by highlighting the role of CHW engagement, reminders, and outreach services, alongside barriers such as long travel distances, transportation difficulties, fear of side effects, and conflict-related disruptions. CONCLUSION: Vaccination uptake in the Konye Health District remains low due to a complex interplay of caregiver behaviors, socioeconomic conditions, and health system factors. Addressing these interconnected challenges through strengthened community-based approaches, improved service accessibility, and resilient health system strategies is essential for enhancing immunization coverage in the district.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Community-based health worker engagement, vaccination reminders, and outreach services to increase vaccine uptake
- Population
- Caregivers of children aged 0-59 months in Konye Health District, South West region Cameroon (412 participants surveyed)
Key finding
58% of children were fully immunized despite baseline context of only 31.5% coverage
Manka et al. · PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) · 8 Jul 2026