FACTORS PREDICTING IMMUNIZATION COVERAGE IN TIKRIT CITY

Background: Immunization is a key health intervention to reduce child mortality. Objectives: To determine coverage of an expanded immunization programme and factors predicting vaccination delay. Methods: A simple random cross sectional study was done in Tikrit city, on 282 children under 2 years, by face to face interview using a standard questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS statistical program. Simple and multiple linear regression and logistic regression was used to analyze factors predicting immunization status. Results: Fully vaccinated children aged 0-11 months, and 12-23 months was 32.2 %, 47.4% respectively. Vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 months old was BCG 83.9%, DPT1/POV 74%, DPT2/POV 69.8%, DPT3/POV 65.1%, Measles 58.3%, MMR 35.4%, Booster 14.6%. MMR coverage for children with urban literate mothers was 44.4% and 24.4% for children with rural literate mothers, 30.8% for those with urban illiterate and 14.3% for rural illiterate mothers. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of children and residence associated with vaccination coverage. Multiple regression equation was highly significant for mother education, number of children, residence. Conclusions: Full vaccination rates for both age groups were lower than previously reported in the area. An intervention programme should be considered, particularly in low coverage rate groups.