Adherence to the National Immunization Schedule for the First Year of Life in Misan, Iraq Ali Esraa Abd Al-Muhsen1, Aljawadi Hussein Fadhil Musa1,* 1Assistant professor, Pediatrics Department, College of Medicine, Misan University, Iraq *Corresponding Author: Dr. Hussein Fadhil Musa Aljawadi, Assistant professor, Pediatrics Department, College of Medicine, Misan University, Iraq, Mobile: 009647814241052, Email: drhussein1969@gmail.com
Online published on 20 March, 2019. Abstract Background Compliance with age-appropriate receipt of immunization is critical for providing maximum effectiveness against the vaccine-preventable diseases. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends specific ages and intervals for vaccines to be administered to maximize their effectiveness. Till now in Misan (South East of Iraq); a considerable proportion of morbidity and mortality was detected in children under the age of 5 years due to vaccine-preventable diseases. Objectives To determine the rate of adherence to the immunization schedule in the first year of life in order to generate a baseline data that can be used to improve the vaccination uptake in Misan, thus, saving more lives. To determine the causes and risk factors influencing the pattern of immunization adherence.
Patients and Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in Misan Hospital for Child and Maternity. By a random selection, the study enrolled 250 mothers having infants aged 1–2 years attending the hospital as out-patient visitors. Through an interview with the mother, the required data were collected. Results Among 250 infants; 22.8% with complete adherence to the national immunization schedule during the first year of life, 68% with partial adherence, and 9.2% with no adherence. Statistically, immunization adherence was significantly associated with mother's education, residence, and place of delivery. Conclusion Adherence to the national immunization schedule in the first year of the life in Misan province was low and not the promising rate. Efforts toward the primary health care centers to raise the awareness and education about immunizations are still required to further reduce the vaccine-preventable morbidity and mortality in children. Top Keywords Immunization, vaccine, adherence, infant, Misan. Top |