Socio-Demographic and Economic Predictors Influencing Immunization Coverage among Under-5 Children of Nomadic Pastoralists in Garissa County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine socio-demographic and economic predictors influencing immunization coverage among under-5 children of nomadic pastoralists in selected manyattas in Garissa County, Kenya

Methodology: The study was a cross sectional study design on immunization coverage in Balambala Sub County in Garisa County. The population was selected from household residents of Manyattas in Balambala, among families who had children for immunization. The inclusion criteria was the guardians/caretakers of children aged 0-60 months in Manyattas of Balambala Sub County in Garisa County, whose parents/Caregivers gave informed consent to participate in the study. Children must have resided in Balambala Sub County for more than 6 months. Systematic sampling method was used to collect data from the sample. Data collection was done by use of questionnaires on social demographic and economic factors associated with children immunization. SPSS version 12 was used for analysis where Univariate and multivariable analysis was done to determine association between socio-demographic and economic factors and immunization among children under five years. Ethics Review committee approval no ISERC/MSc/015/2024 was obtained.

Findings: The analysis of factors associated with immunization coverage among caregivers reveals significant associations with several socio-demographic characteristics. Caregivers’ age emerged as a critical factor, with those aged 35-44 showing the highest rate of fully immunized children at 88.2%, while caregivers aged 45 and above had the lowest full immunization rate at 37.5%. Caregivers from households earning more than KSh 20,000 had the highest rate of fully immunized children (92.9%), while those earning less than KSh 10,000 had the lowest rate (65.2%).

Unique Contribution to Theory Practice and Policy: Enhance education and awareness by implementing community-based education and awareness programs to improve health literacy among caregivers, particularly focusing on the importance of completing the full immunization schedule. health education initiatives should target caregivers with no or low levels of formal education and involve community health volunteers for effective dissemination of information.