ROUTINE INFANT IMMUNIZATION; FACTORS INFLUENCING NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THE SCHEDULE IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

Abstract

A significant number of children do not comply with the Routine Immunization even after the health extension program was launched. This study was conducted to assess the determinants of noncompliance with the routine infant immunization schedule among residents of the Tamale Metropolis. A cross sectional survey involving 406 caregiver/child pair and also selected officials of the health services in Tamale was conducted. The rates for each scheduled date were 15.5% for Polio Zero, 41.1% for BCG; 5.7% for schedule two, 35.5 % for schedule Three; 43.3% for schedule Four; 50.0 for schedule Five; 83.3% for schedule Six (Measles Two). With respect to caregivers, higher level of education, being a mother, older age, higher income, high number of children, residence in rural area, high knowledge on immunisation and good attitude towards immunisation all led to a decrease in noncompliance with all the scheduled immunizations. With the child, increasing age, decreasing birth order and delivery out of hospital lead to increasing noncompliance with all the scheduled immunisations. In conclusion, the rate of noncompliance increases with increasing scheduled immunisation date. Both caregiver and child factors affected noncompliance with routine immunisation.