What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to identify factors influencing the uptake of second year of life vaccines among children aged 24-35 months.

February 26, 2026BMC Public Health0 citationsOpen Access

Factors associated with uptake of second year of life vaccines among children 24–35 months in Western Region One, The Gambia

BKBakalilu Kijera SJSarja Jarjusey MBMary Bobb

Key Points

The study aims to identify factors influencing the uptake of second year of life vaccines among children aged 24-35 months.
Cross-sectional study design involving caregivers and health workers.
Participants included 355 caregivers and 24 health workers in the Western Region.
Used multi-stage cluster sampling based on WHO methodology.
Employed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.
DPT4 and MCV2 coverage recorded at 59.5% and 54.4%, respectively.
Fathers' non-participation in routine immunization was associated with nearly double the odds of incomplete vaccination (aOR = 1.96).
Caregivers lacking knowledge of MCV schedules had higher odds of incomplete vaccination (AOR = 2.18).
Lower educational levels in mothers correlated with incomplete vaccination.
Only 25% of health workers correctly identified the denominator for MCV2 coverage.

Abstract

A booster dose of Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT4) and the second dose of Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV2) are recommended in all countries, and these vaccines are scheduled during the Second Year of Life (2YL). There are gaps in coverage between the vaccines given in infancy and the 2YL. This study assesses the caregivers’ factors associated with the uptake of 2YL vaccines and health workers’ knowledge and perception of 2YL vaccination. A cross-sectional study design was used. The study participants include 355 caregivers with children aged 24-35 months and 24 health workers who offer immunization services. A multi-stage cluster sampling strategy, based on the WHO 30-cluster sampling method, was adapted to select households. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. The DPT and MCV2 vaccines recorded 59.5% and 54.4% coverage, respectively. About half (49.9%) of the study participants received the OPV Booster. Children of fathers who did not participate in routine immunization services were nearly twice as likely to have incomplete 2YL vaccination compared with those whose fathers participated (aOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.00–2.64). The analysis revealed that caregivers who lacked knowledge of the recommended MCV vaccination schedules had higher odds of incomplete 2YL vaccination (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.01–4.72). Mothers whose education ended at the primary level aOR = 0.41; CI = 0.19–0.87 and secondary level aOR = 0.35; CI = 0.18–0.67 had lower odds of incomplete vaccination compared to those with no formal education. Among the 24 health workers interviewed, only 6 (25.0%) correctly identified the denominator used to calculate MCV2 coverage. The 2YL vaccine coverage is relatively low in Western Region One. Mothers' educational level, ethnicity, fathers’ participation, and caregivers' awareness of MCV schedules were significantly associated with the uptake of 2YL vaccines among children 24-35 months in WR1. The Ministry of Health should regularly support the continuous professional development of immunization staff.

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