Factors associated with the utilization of inactivated polio vaccine among children aged 12 to 23 months in Kalungu District, Uganda
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Date
2020-08-12
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Abstract
Uganda officially introduced the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in May 2016 as part of the polio
eradication strategy and integrated it into its routine immunization programme in addition to the
oral polio vaccine. The current coverage stands at 60% as of July 2017. We therefore aimed to
determine factors associated with the uptake of IPV among children in Kalungu District so as to
inform the implementation of the vaccine policy. A community-based cross-sectional study was
conducted among caregivers of 406 eligible children aged 12–23 months through multi-stage systematic
sampling and a standardized semi-structured questionnaire. Nine key informant interviews
were conducted through purposive selection of health care providers and members of Village
Health Teams (VHTs) based on their expertize. Modified Poisson regression and thematic content
analysis were used to determine factors significant to IPV uptake among children. 71% of sampled
children aged 12–23 months had received IPV in Kalungu District. The survey found that being
encouraged by health workers and VHTs was significant to children’s uptake of IPV (Adjusted PR
1.24, 95% CI; 1.22–3.47). Distance to the immunization point (Adjusted PR 0.32,95% CI; 0.16–0.62)
and caregiver’s education level (Adjusted PR 1.16,95% CI; 1.05–2.22) were also associated with IPV
uptake. Qualitative findings from health workers and VHT members further confirmed the
perception that distance to the immunization post was important, and VHTs also stated that being
encouraged by health workers was critical to IPV uptake. The current prevalence of IPV uptake
among children aged 12–23 months in Kalungu is 71%, higher than the last reported national coverage
(60%), though still below the recommended national coverage of 95%. Efforts should be
focused on sensitization of caregivers through health workers and VHTs. Immunization outreach
should be strengthened so as to bring services closer to patients.
Description
Factors associated with the utilization of inactivated polio vaccine among children aged 12 to 23 months in Kalungu District, Uganda
Keywords
IPV, polio, vaccinations, immunization, children, Uganda