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FACTORS AFFECTING THE COMPLETION OF IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES AMONG CHILDREN UNDER ONE YEAR AT BWEYOGERERE HEALTH CENTRE III, KIRA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, WAKISO DISTRICT

Definitions of Key Terms

Immunity: The body’s ability to resist infections caused by disease-causing microorganisms.
Immune: A condition where an individual has enough protective antibodies to fight pathogens.
Immunization: The process of administering vaccines to prevent diseases such as polio, measles, tetanus, and tuberculosis.
Immunization schedule: A timed plan for administering vaccines to children from birth up to five years of age.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the background, problem statement, study objectives, research questions, and justification for the research.

1.1 Background

Immunization is a key public health intervention that protects individuals from infectious diseases by stimulating immunity through vaccines (CDC, 2010). Globally, it prevents 2–3 million deaths annually (Burton & Monasch, 2009) and is among the most cost-effective health strategies, requiring minimal lifestyle changes.

The concept of immunization dates back to 1796 with Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine (Baxbony-Jackson, 2010). Major milestones include the 1954 polio trials and the 1974 WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Uganda adopted EPI in 1983 and relaunched it in 1987 (Ministry of Health, 2010).

Despite progress, adherence to immunization schedules remains inconsistent. For maximum protection, children must receive vaccines at specified intervals (Glauber et al., 2011). However, in Uganda, 70% of children under one year miss immunizations (WHO, 2009), and 46% under five fail to complete their schedules (Bbaale, 2013). This highlights the need to investigate barriers at Bweyogerere Health Centre III.

1.2 Problem Statement

Studies worldwide identify multiple reasons for incomplete immunization, including:

Cultural beliefs (e.g., perceived vaccine irrelevance)
Psychological barriers (e.g., fear of side effects)
Socioeconomic challenges (e.g., poverty, low education)
Health system limitations (e.g., access issues, staff shortages)
Knowledge gaps (e.g., lack of awareness) (Nigenda-Lópes et al., 2008).

In Ethiopia, key obstacles included poor healthcare access, caregiver unawareness, and insufficient health workers (Ministry of Health, 2007). Tanzania improved full immunization rates from 71% (1999) to 75% (TDHS, 2010).

In Uganda, 47% of children under five do not complete immunization (WHO, 2010). The specific factors at Bweyogerere HC III remain understudied, necessitating this research.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

To identify barriers to immunization completion among children under one year at Bweyogerere HC III and propose strategies to improve awareness and uptake.

1.4 Specific Objectives

To assess socioeconomic factors affecting immunization completion.
To evaluate mothers’ knowledge of immunization schedules.
To examine cultural influences on immunization adherence.

1.5 Research Questions

What socioeconomic factors hinder immunization completion?
How knowledgeable are mothers about immunization schedules?
How do cultural practices impact immunization completion?

1.6 Justification of the Study

Policy Guidance: Findings will inform Ministry of Health strategies to improve immunization adherence.
Research Contribution: Provides baseline data for future studies and health education materials.
Community Impact: May increase immunization rates in Bweyogerere through awareness.
Academic Requirement: Fulfills part of the Diploma in Midwifery program.