| dc.description.abstract | The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was established in 1974 to ensure that all
children in all countries benefited from a universal access to life-saving vaccines. The diseases
targeted by the EPI are diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, poliomyelitis,
tuberculosis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza type b and pneumonia. These diseases are
among the leading causes of high childhood morbidity and mortality in Kenya and they remain a
major public health problem due to low vaccination uptake in some regions. In Kenya the
immunization coverage is estimated at 78% and infant mortality rate is 52 per 1000 live births. In
Siaya County the immunization coverage is at 65%. The infant mortality rate in Rarieda Division
is 120 per 1000 live births. The low immunization coverage and high infant mortality rate can be
attributed to lack of awareness, attitude of mothers and socio-economic and cultural factors.
Therefore the overall objective of this study was to examine factors that influence uptake of EPI
services in Rarieda Division, Siaya County. Specific objectives were: l.establish awareness
levels of mothers on vaccines and vaccinations of children 2.identify the socio-economic and
cultural factors that influence the uptake of EPI services and 3.determine the perception/attitude
of mothers on vaccination of children against the immunizable diseases as per EPI schedule. The
study design was cross-sectional and utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods of data
collection. Systematic random sampling procedure was used to select and interview 346 mothers
from a target population of 3,518 mothers with children aged between 0-24 months at the
household level in Rarieda Division. The tools for collecting quantitative data were household
questionnaires and key informants interviews were used to collect qualitative data where the
nurses in charge of the health facilities in Rarieda Division were purposively sampled to be
interviewed. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was
analyzed through manual content analysis by categorizing relevant responses to answer research
questions and analyzed data was presented in the form of frequency distribution tables, pie charts
and graphs. The findings indicated that 96% of respondents were aware of polio vaccine, 77%
measles, 55% BCG, 21% pentavalent, 17% PCV 10 and 2% yellow fever. 89% of mothers were
aware that children should be given the first vaccine at birth and 83% of the mothers were aware
that children should receive their last vaccine at nine months. 19% of mothers gave birth at home,
mothers made most decisions on vaccination of children and Muslims did not support
vaccination.97% showed positive attitude towards vaccination. In conclusion awareness level of
mothers on vaccines and vaccinations was low; the attitude of mothers towards vaccinations was
also seen to be positive. It also emerged that religion, level of education, agricultural activities
and cultural factors influence the uptake of immunization services. Recommendations are health
education for mothers, sensitization of religious leaders and employment of community health
workers. The study sought to assist researchers, planners and policy makers to build a case for
more focused planning on how to improve the uptake of vaccinations in our community and
reduce the child mortality and morbidity rates. | en_US |
