Abstract:
Background: Epidemiological investigations of recent outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases
have indicated that incomplete immunization was the major reason for the outbreaks. In Ethiopia,
full immunization rate is low and reasons for defaulting from immunization are not studied well.
The objective of the study was to identify the predictors of defaulting from completion of child
immunization among children between ages 9–23 months in Wonago district, South Ethiopia.
Methods: Unmatched case control study was conducted in eight Kebeles (lowest administrative
unit) of Wonago district in south Ethiopia. Census was done to identify all cases and controls. A
total of 266 samples (133 cases and 133 controls) were selected by simple random sampling
technique. Cases were children in the age group of 9 to 23 months who did not complete the
recommended immunization schedule. Pre-tested structured questionnaire were used for data
collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS 15.0 statistical software.
Results: Four hundred eighteen (41.7%) of the children were fully vaccinated and four hundred
twelve (41.2%) of the children were partially vaccinated. The BCG: measles defaulter rate was
76.2%. Knowledge of the mothers about child immunization, monthly family income, postponing
child immunization and perceived health institution support were the best predictors of defaulting
from completion of child immunization.
Conclusion: Mothers should be educated about the benefits of vaccination and the timely
administration of vaccines.
