Factors that Influence Pneumococcal Vaccine Uptake among Children Aged 14-52 weeks in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: The Pneumococcal Vaccine Serotype 10 (PCV10) was launched on the 14th of February 2011 in Kenya under the Division for Vaccination and Immunization (DVI) program at the Ministry of Health (MoH). PCV10 is a part of the immunization schedule for under-fives and is offered in three doses alongside the pentavalent vaccine. Upon its launch, the PCV10 was expected to lower mortality and morbidity due to streptococcal infections in under-fives. However, to date, its uptake and factors that influence its uptake have not been studied sufficiently in rural areas. Objectives: To evaluate the factors influencing the uptake of the pneumococcal PCV10 vaccine among children aged 14-52 weeks in Uasin Gishu, Kenya. Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Methodology: The study was done in Huruma Estate in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Cluster sampling was used to recruit 185 children aged 14-52 weeks and a structured questionnaire used to interview caregivers on the immunization history of children. The socio- demographic data of children and caregivers and the knowledge and attitudes of caregivers on the PCV10 vaccine evaluated. Data analysis was done using version 21 of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Questionnaires were screened for inconsistencies and data extracted and coded in SPSS. Socio-demographic data were explored, PCV10 uptake computed, and the chi-square test and logistic regression used to determine factors that influence the uptake of the PCV10. Results: The uptake of the PCV10 vaccine was 96.8%. The awareness of the PCV10 among caregivers was 68.7%, a majority of whom (68%) gained knowledge from health facilities. Awareness was higher among caregivers with a primary education (OR (CI) = 2.6 (1.26 - 5.3), p<0.05) and youths (OR (CI) = 2.39 (1.3 - 4.6), p<0.05). However, the age, marital status, and the education level of caregivers and social factors such as the distance to the immunization site and behavior of facility staff did not statistically influence uptake significantly (p>0.05). Conclusion: The uptake of the PCV10 in Huruma was 96.8%, which was higher than the national rate of 86%. Knowledge of PCV10 and attitudes towards immunization were good. However, knowledge, attitudes, socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers and children, or the social factors studied were not associated with the uptake of the PCV10 vaccine.