Factors predicting BCG immunization status in northern Nigeria: a behavioral-ecological perspective
Babalola, S.; Lawan, U.
Journal of Child Health Care for Professionals Working with Children in the Hospital and Community 13(1): 46-62
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1367-4935 PMID: 19240190 DOI: 10.1177/1367493508098380Document Number: 206114
This study examines the predictors of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunization status among infants in northern Nigeria using a behavioral-ecological model. The findings show only 37.3 percent of the children had received BCG vaccine, and reveal that BCG immunization status in northern Nigeria is influenced by multiple layers of factors, including child's characteristics, parental or household factors, community characteristics, vaccine supply and the policy environment. At the child's level, place of birth and ownership of an immunization card are the two most significant predictors. The parental and household predictors of BCG immunization status include maternal use of antenatal care, maternal knowledge about immunization, maternal exposure to child health information, social influence and paternal approval of immunization. Both the regularity of vaccine supply to the health facility and the state of residence are associated independently with BCG immunization status. These findings stress the need for interventions at multiple levels in order to increase BCG immunization status.