A cross-sectional study examining the association between maternal education and childhood (12-23 months) immunization in Uganda

Abstract: Introduction: Complete childhood Immunization remains the most effective way for prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases. The 2016 Uganda Demography Health Survey (UDHS) reported that only 55% of children aged 12-23 months had been fully vaccinated. The relationship between maternal education and childhood immunization among Ugandan children remains unclear with most of the studies done being limited in scope. Objective: To investigate the association between maternal education and childhood immunization in Uganda. Methods: This study was based on analysis of data from the UDHS. The study included 2815 children aged 12 – 23 months. Permission and data to conduct the analyses was sought from the DHS Program website. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess association between the maternal education and full immunization. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Association between maternal education and childhood immunization was statistically significant (Primary Education - OR = 0.50 95%CI: 0.32 - 0.77, P value = 0.002 and Secondary Education – OR = 0.62 95%CI: 0.39 – 0.97, P value = 0.038). ANC visits, possession of a Child Health Card also had a strong effect on Childhood Immunization. Conclusion: Lower maternal education is associated with reduced completion of childhood immunization. To promote childhood immunization Parents with education lower than Secondary School should be targeted and the usefulness of ANC visits should be emphasized.