Socio-demographic determinants of childhood immunization coverage in rural population of Bhojpur district of Bihar, India

INTRODUCTION: Avoidable sickness, disabilities and death among under 5 children are prevented by routine immunization against some specific diseases. The percentage fully immunized children was 69.9% in Bihar, India, and was almost same in rural area. Immunization coverage is also associated with various socio-demographic factors. The aim of this study is to assess the immunization coverage among children in rural areas of Bhojpur district and identify socio-demographic factors associated with it. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Bhojpur district during January to May 2015. 2 stage cluster sampling was done. 36 villages were selected randomly as primary selection units and within each village, 10 children of age 12-36 months were selected from the sampling frame of all eligible children in selected village. A pre-designed, pre-tested checklist was used by the trained investigators during their visits. RESULTS: A total of 360 children of age 12-36 months were included in the study, of which 65% of children were fully immunized, 33.9% were partially immunized, and 1.1% were not immunized at all. Mother's education (AOR 2.28 (1.28-4.05), P value = 0.005), place of birth (AOR 29.04 (10.75-78.43), P value = 0.0001) and availability of immunization card (AOR 120.04 (15.82-916.47), P value = 0.001) were significantly associated with immunization status. CONCLUSION: Immunisation coverage in this area was lower. Socio-demographic factors like mother's literacy, place of birth and availability of immunization cards were significantly associated with full immunization of children. It is needed to focus on health related education among parents regarding immunizing services.