Socio-economic related factors affecting completion of immunization schedules for children under five years at St. Josephine Bakhita Health Centre II, Lwengo District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/3g1zed73Keywords:
socio-economic, immunization schedules, child immunization, vaccine stock-outs, Spousal supportAbstract
Background:
The study aimed to determine the socio-economic related factors affecting completion of immunization schedules for children under five years at St. Josephine Bakhita Health Centre II, Lwengo District.
Methodology:
The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design with both quantitative and qualitative methods at St. Josephine Bakhita Health Centre II in Lwengo District, Uganda. Thirty caregivers of children under five attending postnatal immunization services were selected through convenience sampling over three days. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using EpiData and SPSS version 17. Immunization completion was the dependent variable, while caregiver-related, socioeconomic, and health facility factors were considered independent variables. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent was secured from participants, and confidentiality was strictly maintained.
Results:
Farming was the main occupation for 70% of respondents. Socio-economic activities affected immunization attendance, with 67% reporting involvement in activities that hindered clinic visits, mainly garden work (60%) and market vending (30%). Financial challenges were also evident, as 83% lacked adequate transport funds to reach the health facility. Spousal support was limited, with 67% reporting no support for child immunization. Additionally, 53% stated that their spouses had ever prohibited them from taking children for immunization, mainly due to a lack of willingness to accompany or the absence of transport money. These factors negatively affected completion of immunization schedules.
Conclusion:
Farming duties, lack of transport funds, poor spousal support, and occasional partner prohibition hindered completion of childhood immunization schedules.
Recommendation:
Health workers should intensify community sensitization on immunization benefits, encourage male involvement, and support caregivers to start simple income-generating activities.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jackline Letasi, Nelson Kakande, Sr. Jane Frances Namuddu (Author)
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