A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 361 caregivers of children under five years in the Kayes Health District, Mali. The study aimed to assess the determinants of routine childhood immunization uptake, focusing on caregiver knowledge, access to health services, and vaccination practices. The study's findings revealed that most respondents were female (99%), with 59% aged between 17 and 25 years. Educational attainment was relatively low, with 62% having no formal education or only primary education.
The study found that one-third (33%) of caregivers lived more than 5 km from a health facility, and 27.7% walked to vaccination sites. Despite these challenges, most respondents knew that vaccination should start at birth (81%), and 99% possessed a vaccination card. The reported vaccination coverage was high, with 92% of children up to date with their vaccination schedule. However, gaps in caregiver knowledge were evident, with 47% unable to identify vaccine-preventable diseases.
Furthermore, 32% of caregivers had not received explanations about vaccine benefits. These findings suggest that while vaccination coverage is high, there is a need to strengthen communication between healthcare providers and caregivers. The study's results also highlight the importance of addressing geographic accessibility and educational attainment to sustainably strengthen vaccination coverage.
The study's authors emphasize that targeted public health interventions are necessary to address the identified gaps. These interventions should focus on low-education caregivers and communities living far from health facilities. By addressing these challenges, the study's authors believe that vaccination coverage can be sustainably strengthened, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The study's findings are consistent with previous research on childhood immunization in Africa. A systematic review of factors influencing childhood immunization uptake in Africa found that caregiver knowledge, access to health services, and vaccination practices were significant determinants. The study's results also highlight the need for a multilevel approach to address regional variations in childhood immunizations.
The study's authors note that their findings have implications for public health policy and practice in Mali and beyond. They emphasize the importance of strengthening health systems, improving caregiver knowledge, and enhancing access to vaccination services. By addressing these challenges, policymakers and healthcare providers can work towards achieving high vaccination coverage and reducing child morbidity and mortality.
The study was published in the Health Sciences and Diseases journal, with the authors Korotoumou Togola and Ghislain Poda. The study's methodology involved a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, which provided rich data on caregiver knowledge, access to health services, and vaccination practices. The study's results contribute to the growing body of research on childhood immunization in Africa.
Key points
- Caregiver knowledge, access to health services, and vaccination practices are significant determinants of routine childhood immunization uptake in Mali.
