Determinants of childhood immunization defaulters among 12-15 month old children in selected barangays of a particular city

Abstract

Childhood immunization is a vital and cost- effective health intervention, yet continued to be a health concern especially on compliance, timeliness and completeness of immunization. This study aimed to determine the determinants of childhood immunization defaulters among 12–15 month old children in selected barangays of a particular city, utilizing a descriptive-relational design. A modified questionnaire of Figueroa (2007) and Gavino (2014) was used for data collection. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS version 20. Results of the study revealed that majority of respondents were 30 years old and below, single, attained high school level, delivered their child in a health facility, unemployed, composed of 5 or more family members, earning a monthly family income of 6,000 pesos and below; and living close to the immunization site. Overall, respondents have high knowledge about childhood immunization, yet the knowledge on adverse reaction following immunization needs to be emphasized. As a whole, mothers perceived their health care service provider as responsive. The relational analysis revealed that socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers found to have no significant relationship with childhood immunization defaulters except for the place of delivery and employment status. Level of knowledge about immunization showed significant relationship with childhood immunization defaulters while perceived responsiveness of the health care service provider revealed weak and insignificant relationship.