Abstract:
Introduction: Immunization is an effective public health intervention to reduce morbidity and
mortality among children. However, Immunization will become more effective if the child can
receive the full course of recommended immunization doses. However, due to various reasons
many fail to complete the course of immunization. Addressing them helps to circumvent
undesired events due to incomplete childhood immunization.
Objective: To assess factors associated with incomplete childhood vaccinations among children
12-23 months of age in Machakel woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Northeast Amhara, 2014.
Method: community based unmatched case control study design with quantitative and
qualitative methods was conducted in Machakel woreda, East Gojjam zone from March20 –
April 30, 2014. Census was done to identify cases and controls. For quantitative method, a
sample of 154 cases and 154 controls selected using stratified multistage random sampling
technique. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire using interview data
collection method. Data were entered into Epinfo software and analyzed using SPSS version16.
Result: A total of 150 cases and 152 controls were included in the study. The mean age (SD) of
cases was 17.78(+3.40) and that of controls was 16(+ 2.7). About 36% of cases were females
and 61% of controls were females. The factors negatively and significantly associated with
incomplete vaccination were female sex of child [AOR=0.44, 95%CI (0.24, 0.83)], parity one
[AOR=0.25, 95%CI (0.09, 0.71)], and parity two [AOR=0.29, 95%CI (0.14, 0.60)], while factors
positively and significantly associated with incomplete immunization were absence of ANC
(antenatal care) [AOR=2.49, 95%CI (1.27, 4.87)], absence of PNC(post natal care) [AOR=2.42,
95%CI (1.05, 5.60)], inadequate knowledge on vaccine schedule [AOR=2.58, 95%CI (1.38,
4.81)], and misconception about vaccine contraindication [AOR=3.94, 95%CI (2.07, 7.49)].
Conclusion: Based on the result family planning, strengthening of ANC, PNC, improved effort
on giving information about vaccine schedule, creation of awareness about misconceptions and
further study to clarify the differential immunization of females are recommended
