Uptake of Childhood Immunisation in Mutare District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to assess the uptake of childhood immunisation in Mutare District, Zimbabwe. The study adopted a conceptual framework which provided a link between the independent variables and the dependent variable, informed by the objectives of the study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used. The researcher selected three wards namely 14, 18 and 20 with three clinics representing them. A total of 140 questionnaires were distributed, and 137 were returned representing a response rate 98% which was highly acceptable as it was above the 70% threshold which is recommended for the generalization and extrapolation of research findings to the entire population. The descriptive section presented the statistics pertaining to the independent variables and attempts were made to explain trends in relation to the literature review. A regression analysis technique was used to assess the relationship between the combined independent variables on immunisation uptake hence an SPSS version 25 package was used. Correlation analysis was carried out in order to identify the existence of multi-collinearity depicting the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variable to determine whether the relationship is positive, negative or zero. The study findings showed that the childhood immunisation uptake was generally above 50% in terms of the children receiving vaccines for BCG, Polio, DPT, measles and hepatitis B. In relation to immunisation uptake, the predisposing factors had a negative effect, which meant that predisposing factors in general were deterrents to immunisation uptake. The need factors were also negatively related to immunisation uptake and this meant that the need factors were a deterrent to the uptake of childhood immunisation. The results also showed that the enabling factors were positively related to immunisation uptake in Mutare District. Despite that the childhood immunisation uptake showed improvements in the communities within the District. There was still need for commitment and integration of activities by Health Care providers in the communities to work together with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to achieve a higher record by preventing the mortality and morbidity from vaccine preventable diseases. The study recommended participation of the communities for childhood immunisation uptake and to enhance ‘My village My home’ strategy as a way of reaching everyone in the community. Therefore, there should be awareness campaigns in the communities on EPI to make everyone access the vaccination for the children as well as the availability of services in the health centers. The predisposing factors such as demystifying child birth order and access to antenatal care should be improved.