Factors Influencing Uptake of Polio Vaccine among Children Under 5 Years in Banadir, Somalia

Abstract

Lack of vaccination against diseases is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children below the age of 5 years. Therefore the WHO made a commitment to eradicate polio in the world through the GPEI. The fight has been successful however polio outbreaks have been reported in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Somalia. In addition there is low immunization coverage which could potentially trigger the resurgence of polio. Therefore the main objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing polio vaccination among children under 5 years in Banadir, Somalia. A cross sectional study design was adopted where quantitative data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire by two data clerks who had experience on Expanded Program of Immunization. Multi stage sampling was used in sampling. Banandir region was first divided into 8 clusters (i.e. the 8 districts in Banandir region). Two districts namely Hodon and Heliwa were conveniently selected due to the reported high cases of polio outbreaks. Then based on population proportional distribution 257 and 128 Caregivers or mothers were randomly selected from Hodon and Heliwa districts respectively. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 20.0). Regressions analysis was done to determine the interactions between the independent variables on dependent variables. The regression analysis was done at 95% confidence level. From the results 48% of the children had received 4 Polio doses, however the rate was very low compared to the national target of 70%. A high percentage of caregivers (60%) were not concerned that their children can contract polio while at least 40% of the caregivers were concerned. Furthermore only 35% of caregivers were aware that polio is caused by a virus. Level of awareness was found to influence polio vaccine uptake. Socioeconomic and cultural factors found to influence polio vaccine uptake were care givers education level (p= 0.042) and healthcare information seeking behaviours (p=0.035). There was significant association between healthcare related factors and polio vaccine uptake.