The determinants of immunization coverage among children aged between 12 and 35 months: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Lao People's Democratic Republic

Background: Immunization is one of the most important public health interventions for reducing morbidity and mortality in children. However, factors contributing to low immunization coverage are not fully understood in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with full immunization coverage among children between 12 and 35 months, providing up-to-date information for immunization programs in Lao PDR. Methods: We analyzed the subpopulation of a nationwide cross-sectional survey using a multistage cluster sampling procedure to evaluate the measles and rubella seroepidemiology. In addition, we categorized children aged between 12 and 35 months into two groups: fully immunized children with a birth dose of Bacillus Calmette and Guerin vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine (Hep B), one and three doses for the measles-containing vaccine (MCV) and pentavalent vaccine and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and partially immunized children who missed any dose of vaccine. Immunization coverage was calculated as the ratio of fully immunized to the total. We compared the groups' demographic characteristics and health service utilization as independent variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between immunization coverage, various demographic factors, and health service utilization. Results: Overall, 256 of the 416 targeted pairs were included in the analysis. In total, 67.6% of the children were fully immunized. Childbirth at hospitals or health facilities (adjusted odds ratio: 9.75, 95% confidence interval: 5.72-16.62, p < 0.001) was the predictor of full immunization coverage. The 83 children in the partially immunized groups were attributed to Hep B at birth (46, 55.4%), three doses of PCV (34, 41.0%), and the first dose of the MCV (27, 32.5%). Conclusion: Our study elucidated that the immunization status among children aged between 12 and 35 months in Lao PDR is satisfactory in improving access to healthcare by strengthening communication with residents regarding health service utilization, and expanding mobile outreach services may play a pivotal role in this endeavor. Further research is warranted to evaluate efforts to increase immunization coverage and target populations with limited access to healthcare.

Automated summary

This study aimed to identify factors associated with full immunization coverage among children aged 12-35 months in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The results showed that giving birth at hospitals or health facilities was a predictor of full immunization coverage, while missed doses of Hepatitis B vaccine and other vaccines were the main reasons for partial immunization. Improving access to healthcare through communication and mobile outreach services is crucial for increasing immunization coverage.