Missed Opportunities for Immunization in Jimma Hospital

Abstract

cause the suffering and death of many children in our world. All these deaths and disabilities can be prevented maximally provided that children were appropriately immunized for their age. Increasing immunization coverage in developing countries will depend, in part, on immunizing children in the appropriate age at every available opportunity. However the two principal problems in the way of achieving effective immunization for all children are drop- outs and missed opportunities. This study was conducted to determine immunization status and proportion of missed opportunities for immunization and risk factors associated with it.

Methods: The study was cross sectional, conducted during October-November 1997, at Jimma Hospital paediatrics OPD. Data was collected using structured questionnaire addressed to mothers and health service record. The target population was infants of 0­11 months Descriptive statistics was employed to examine findings. Chi-square tests were calculated and statistical associations were determined as significant as p<0.05 using manual scientific calculator.

Results: Missed opportunity for immunizationlvas found to be 28.8% and the commonest reason given was child sick on day of immunization (27.8%). Literacy status, knowledge and attitude towards immunization and child's age are significantly associated with immunization status (p<0.0.5).

Conclusion: By increasing awareness and knowledge hence changing attitude of mothers and health workers, it is possible to increase the immunization coverage.

Key words: Immunization, Immunization coverage, Child health