EVALUATION OF THE EXPANDED PROGRAMME ON IMMUNIZATION COVERAGE AMONG CHILDREN AGED 12–23 MONTHS IN THE TECHIMAN MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

Background: In Ghana, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) routine administrative coverages are high but childhood immunization status still remains low. Most children do not receive all the recommended vaccine doses before one year of age. Coverage surveys to validate the administrative coverages and identify predictors of immunization status are also not given the desired attention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months in the Techiman Municipality, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional cluster survey was conducted among 600 children aged 12–23 months in the Techiman Municipality, Ghana. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire through interviews. Before the main data collection, the tools were pre-tested in three communities. The mothers/caregivers were interviewed and additional information was extracted from the child immunization cards by copying from the card and observing Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) scar. In addition, key informant interview was also conducted among 18 service providers. Data was entered, cleaned and processed using Statistical Package for Service Solution SPSS version 17.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means were produced. In addition, data was exported into STATA and binary regression analysis performed to identify factors associated with immunization status of children. Results: Binary regression was performed to determine predictors of immunization status. The following were statistically significant: formal education (OR=0.97, 95%CI 0.46-2.07; and p<0.001), married (OR=0.31; 95%CI 0.15-0.62; and p=0.001), Christianity (OR=0.27; 95%CI 0.13-0.91; and p<0.001), salary work mothers (OR=0.34, 95%CI 0.16-0.67; and p=0.041) female child (OR=0.50; 95%CI 0.26-0.91; and p=0.024) and possession of immunization card (OR=50.3; 14.40-175.92; and p<0.001) were found to be associated with immunization status.