Utilization of immunization services among children under five years of age in kirinyaga county, kenya

BACKGROUND Immunization is the key strategy to curb communicable diseases which are the number one killer of children under five. Immunization prevents mortalities of approximating three million children under five annually. This study aimed to assess utilization of immunization services among children under five of age in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 388 participants in the five sub-counties of Kirinyaga County through systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a structured interview. Data was analyzed using SPSS and chi-square tests used to measure the association between independent and dependent variables. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Age, gender, educational level and level of income were significant factors that affected timely immunization. Family factors barrier to utilization identified were myths and misconception, side effects, parity and lack of information. CONCLUSION The results showed that social demographic factors that influenced utilization of immunization services positively were high level of education, while formal employment, income levels and age groups influenced the services negatively. The family factor that influenced the services positively was birth order while myths and misconceptions, side effects, parity, sick children and lack of information and return dates influenced the services negatively.