Maternal determinants of complete child immunization among children aged 12–23 months in a southern district of Nigeria

This study was conducted to identify determinants of complete immunization status among children aged 12–23 months in a southern district of Nigeria. The World Health Organization cluster survey was used to evaluate immunization coverage of infants. Mothers of 525 children selected by the two-stage sampling method and interviewed using an adapted questionnaire responded. Completion of the immunization schedule was verified by an immunization card or by reported history indicating that the child had received full doses of four of the antigens included in the Nigeria routine immunization schedule. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with completion of immunization. Only 32.4% of children had completed the immunization schedule. Determinants of complete immunization status included a maternal age less than 30 years (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI:1.27–4.03), availability of an immunization card at first contact (AOR = 7.72, 95% CI:4.43–13.44), fewer than three children (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI:11.1–4.42), completion of post secondary education (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI:1.12–4.47) and maternal unemployment (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI:1.01–2.89). Identifying mothers whose children are at risk of not completing the immunization schedule and educating them is an important strategy to improve antigen coverage and prevent early childhood deaths from diseases like tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and measles.

► We conducted an immunization cluster survey among children 12–23 months.
► We found about a third of children completed their immunization schedule.
► Maternal factors associated with a complete immunization schedule were identified.
► Interventions to improve immunization access and utilization were suggested.