Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Benjamin F. Beatty

Abstract

Immunization protects millions of children. Yet, many children drop out of immunization in Jigawa State of north Nigeria. This cross-sectional quantitative correlational study based on the Health Belief Model was designed to determine whether the dropout from routine immunization (RI) was influenced by low rate of reporting of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) to health facilities by caregivers. Primary data was collected from 307 caregivers with dropout children using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and descriptive statistics. The results showed that 61.3% of the children had AEFI and dropped out. Rate of reporting of AEFI to health facility was low (23.1%). This significantly influenced the dropout (95% CI; p <.001; ï?£2 = .028; OR = 2; AOR = 6). Children with AEFI were 2 times more likely to be dropouts than their counterparts with no episode of AEFI. Children with AEFI of loss of appetite or persistent crying were 4 times more likely to drop out of immunization. The place where one sought treatment for AEFI was strongly associated with the dropout (95% CI; p <.001; ï?£2 <.001). Those who sought help outside health facility were up to 5 times more likely to drop out of immunization compared to health facility treatment. Caregivers were of the view that, they would be able to improve their reporting of AEFI to health facilities for treatment and eventually complete the immunization of their children if they receive good education on immunization and the need to report AEFI to health facility. Findings of this study if appropriately disseminated could lead to positive change initiatives of preventing vaccine diseases by increasing the uptake of complete immunization through education on immunization and inclusion of caregivers' ideas in immunization interventions.

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