Missed Opportunities for Immunization at The Out-Patient Clinic: Prevalence and Related Factors

Abstract

From November 1992 through Januaiy 1993 a cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and related factors of missed opportunities for immunization (MOI). The study involved 280 babies aged less than 12 months. Inter­view was performed by using a questionnaire as the babies left the clinic after seeing the clinic personnel (exit interview). The primary source of information was the accom­panying person and their immunization card. There were 149 (53%) male and 131 (47%) female babies. A total of 208 babies (74.3%) stated to have immunization card, although only 19 (9.1°/.) look it at the time of the study. Out of 234 babies (83.5%) with partial immunization status, 9 had contraindication to immunization. Among 225 ba- es without contraindication, only 88 babies were suggested to have immunization. MOI was found in 137 (48.8%) babies (95% confidence interval: 43%; 55%). Concerning the kind of vaccine, OFV was the most often missed. Of 88 babies (31.4%) suggested for immunization, 43 agreed and had been given various vaccines including simultaneus immunization at the Well-Child Clinic. Screening for immunization not consistently practiced, missed interpretation to contraindication was detected. Among babies sug­gested for immunization, significant relationships were found between the number of children in the family (p<0.05), father's (p<0.05) and mother's education (p<0.001) and acceptance to immunization.