| dc.description.abstract | Immunization is a critical public health intervention for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, sub optimal uptake of immunization services remains a challenge in many developing countries, including Kenya. In Kisumu County ,the immunization coverage was reported to be 79 % in 2022 ,which is lower than the national target of 95% .This gap between the immunization coverage and the persistent morbidity and mortality related to vaccine preventable diseases in the county suggested the need to assess the factors influencing the uptake of immunization services .This study aimed to investigate the social-demographic, health service, and family factors influencing the uptake of immunization services by children under five years of age at the Kisumu County Referral Hospital in Kisumu County, Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kisumu County Referral Hospital, utilizing simple random sampling technique to select participants comprising of children under 5 years and their caregivers/mothers Sample size determined using Yamane’s formula, 45 participants. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and scheduled interviews, and with quantitative analysis done using the SPSS version 29. The study found that social-demographic factors significantly influenced immunization uptake. Younger caregivers (25-35 years), single parents (26.7%) and those with lower levels of education (primary school -35.6%) were less likely to have their children fully immunized. Occupation also played a role, with 33.3% of caregivers employed informally and 22.2% unemployed. Certain religious beliefs (44.4%) were also identified as a barrier to immunization uptake. Health service factors, including vaccine stock outs (24.4%), long waiting times (8.9%), and rescheduling of vaccination appointments (6.7%), were also identified as key barriers to immunization uptake. The majority of respondents (80%) reported easy access to the health facility, and 46.7% rated the quality of immunization services as excellent. Family factors such as myths, misconceptions, and fear of side effects (8.9%) were found to negatively impact the utilization of immunization services. Lack of awareness on the importance of vaccination (6.7%) also contributed to low uptake. In conclusion, multifaceted interventions targeting social-demographic, health service, and family-level factors are needed to improve the uptake of immunization services among children under five years in the study setting. The study recommends strengthening community-based health education and awareness campaigns on the importance of childhood immunization, targeting caregivers of different social-demographic backgrounds. This can help address misconceptions and increase demand for immunization services. Secondly, improve the availability and reliability of vaccine supplies at KCRH to minimize stock outs and ensure consistent access to immunization services. Thirdly, enhance the capacity of health care workers at the hospital to provide efficient and responsive immunization services, including reducing waiting times and rescheduling of appointments. Lastly, engage religious and community leaders to promote the acceptance of immunization services and address any vaccine-related concerns within their respective communities. By addressing these recommendations, the uptake of immunization services among children under five years at Kisumu County Referral Hospital can be improved leading to better health outcomes and a reduction in the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in the region. | en_US |
