determinants of full child immunization among 12-23 months old in Nigeria

Although childhood immunization is considered important for improving child survival, most morbidity and mortality in children are due to vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. Globally, immunization coverage has increased during the past decade, but in African Regions including Nigeria, the coverage is still unacceptably low. It is therefore important to identify the factors that are associated with full child immunization in Nigeria.
The study analyzed the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey children’s data. A total of 4,421 children aged between 12-23 months delivered by 4,421 women aged 15-49 years formed the analysis sample. The dependent variable was full child immunization constructed from a number of variables on uptake of the various WHO recommended immunizations (coded 0 – No and 1 – Yes). Binary logistic regression model was used to identify the critical determinants of full child immunization status.
Results show that about 30% of the children received full immunization. The significant determinants of full child immunization were religion, residence, place of delivery, antenatal visit, mother’s occupation, mother’s education, mother’s age wealth and region.