Factors Associated with Full Vaccination of Children Aged 12 to 23 Months in the Commune of Thiomby (Kaolack/Senegal)

Abstract

Introduction: Data on the complete vaccination of children in rural areas and the factors associated with it are poorly known. Knowledge of these factors is necessary for the adoption of effective vaccination strategies. The aim of our study was to determine the proportion of children aged 12 to 23 months fully vaccinated before the age of 12 months in the commune of Thiomby and to identify associated factors. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 January to 15 February 2020 in Thiomby among of children aged 12 to 23 months and their mothers/caregivers. The sampling was carried out in two-step clusters. Bivariate analysis was done with Epi-Info version 7.2.2.16. Results: The sample included 380 mothers/caregivers with children aged on average 24.7 years. Among them, 93.2% were housewives, 29.4% had attended school and 12.8% had a monthly income of more than 100,000 CFA francs. In total, 296 children were fully inoculated i.e. 77.9% of children aged 12 - 23 months had received all the appropriate vaccines by the age of 12 months. In addition, 42% of mothers and babysitters had a good level of knowledge about vaccination (benefits, side effects, etc.). The primary source of information for mothers about vaccination was the midwife, with 88 percent of women being informed through this channel. The age of mothers less than or equal to 30 years would significantly reduce (p < 0.05) the probability of fully vaccinating children. On the other hand, mothers’ education, good level of knowledge and receipt of vaccination advice during antenatal and postnatal consultations significantly increases the probability of children being fully vaccinated before the age of 12 months. Conclusion: Factors such as a good level of knowledge of mothers and access to information through midwives during prenatal and postnatal consultations contribute to an improvement in complete vaccination coverage among children aged 12 to 23 months.