Background: Immunization coverage in different parts of the country varies
widely despite efforts to improve the services. The immunization status of
children is dependent on the dynamics of vaccination uptake which is complex
and involves the interplay of different associated factors. Aim: To determine
the immunization coverage, status and the determinants in under 5-year-old children
in Owerri municipal, Imo State. Methods: The study was a community based
cross-sectional study involving 420 women and 743 under 5-year-old children. A
multistage sampling technique was employed and data were collected using a
pretested, semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were
analysed using a computer software SPSS-IBM version 20. Results: It revealed
that 63.6% and 88.9% of children less than 12 months and between 12 - 59 months
respectively according to households were fully immunized. The bivariate
analysis showed statistically significant associations between the immunization
status of the children and place of birth delivery (p < 0.0001), maternal age (p < 0.0001), level of maternal education (p < 0.01), level of maternal knowledge (p < 0.0001), religion (p < 0.05)
and ethnicity (p < 0.01).
Significant predictors of being fully immunized were; maternal age 25 - 29
years old (OR = 2.1), children aged 12 - 59
months (OR = 4.6), mother having tertiary education (OR = 5.4), being a
Christian Catholic (OR = 12.5), hospital births (OR = 25.2) and good
level of maternal knowledge (OR = 37.7). Conclusion: Immunization coverage is
relatively high but not optimal among the studied population and thus there is a
need to develop strategies aimed at achieving full immunization coverage as
this is critical in the reduction of childhood morbidity and mortality.
Cite this paper
Duru, C. B. , Iwu, A. C. , Uwakwe, K. A. , Diwe, K. C. , Merenu, I. A. , Emerole, C. A. , Adaeze, C. A. , Onyekuru, C. U. and Ihunnia, O. (2016). Assessment of Immunization Status, Coverage and Determinants among under 5-Year-Old Children in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Open Access Library Journal, 3, e2753. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1102753.
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