Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Immunization Of Children Under Five Years In Makueni County: A Case Of Makueni Level Five Hospital

Abstract

Immunization of children plays a crucial role in prevention of child morbidity and mortality through preventable childhood illness, not only in Kenya but also in the world at large. If children receive the full course of recommended immunization doses they are able to obtain the adaptive immunity to the body that prevents the above diseases. Therefore, it was important to study the status of immunization of children in Wote ward, Makueni County. The main objective of the study was to find out the Socio-economic factors influencing immunization of children under five years in Makueni County. The study employed a descriptive study design and was carried out in Wote ward, Makueni County. The data was collected from the study participants using semi-structured questioners that contained closed ended questions of likert type. The questionnaires were administered to the households of the children under five years old in Makueni County. All the data collected were treated with outmost confidentiality and anonymity. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (S.P.S.S.) version 20.0. The results were presented using pie charts and bar graphs. The study established that cultural and religious factors have an influence on the perception of the parents on immunization of children. The study also noted that there were many perceived parental barriers that affects immunization of children however this was to a lesser extent, it was also noted that to low extent the parents fear of side effects of immunization had an influence on the immunization of the children in the county. Similarly the study established that economic status and access to health care services have an influence on the immunization of children. Based on the responses the study concluded that social cultural factors have an influence on the immunization of children in the study area. The study indicates that cultural and religious believes have a very great effect on the immunization process as compared to economic factors, access to health care services and the anticipated side effects. The study therefore recommended that households should ensure that they keep culture out of the immunization process in order to preserve the health of the children. It is also recommended that parents should be advised to ensure that the Childs health comes first even though there are economic hardships and they have to ensure that they maintain the schedules as provided by the health facilities. The findings of the study are expected to enhance the provision of the immunization programmes and make the parents aware of the importance of the immunization to the children , the family and the society at large. The study findings of the study are also expected to help the heath workers in advising the households of the importance of ensuring that the children are immunized effectively.