Effects of Maternal Education on Immunization Adherence Among Under Five Children in Bungoma County

Abstract

The countdown to 2030 aims at monitoring progress towards achieving healthy lives and promoting prosperity for all ages of the population. The countdown has mainly focused on measuring evidence-based interventions across continuum of care from antenatal to postnatal care. Globally, countries are aligning themselves towards achieving the global countdown; Kenya has not been left behind. The country has made immense progress in increasing coverage of basic vaccines. However, despite this, there is still reported a high number of unimmunized children among under-five children. Prediction of immunisation coverage rate indicates a downward trend for basic vaccines. In addition to that, existing regional disparities in coverage and inequities on immunization within the country have contributed immensely to recurring problem. In view of this challenge, the study sought to find out effects of maternal education on immunization adherence in Bungoma County. The study employed cross-sectional county-level data from MICS, 2014 for Bungoma County to analyze immunization adherence. The study employed probit regression model to estimate Polio and DTP immunization adherence among under-five children. Results indicated mother’s age at birth significantly impacted on immunization adherence for DTP and polio but in a negative way. Mother’s education, Mother’s age at first birth, birth order of the child and household wealth index are statistically significant to immunization adherence both DTP and Polio. In view of the findings, the study implicates the need to educate women on importance of immunization beyond the classroom knowledge. Finally, the findings suggest needing to design policies that promote utilization of public health intervention at community level which can be easily be understood and embraced by the community.