Abstract Background: Incomplete childhood immunisation remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, exposing children to preventable morbidity and mortality despite sustained investments in routine immunisation. Urban settings such as Abuja, Nigeria, continue to experience gaps in full immunisation coverage. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of incomplete immunisation amongst children aged from 12 to 23 months in Abuja. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 350 caregivers selected through multistage sampling. Data were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires and immunisation card verification. Incomplete immunisation was defined as missing at least one recommended vaccine by 12 months of age. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associated factors. Results: Of the 350 children, 76 (21.7%) were incompletely immunised. The highest rates occurred amongst mothers aged from 20 to 24 years (57.4%) and those with no formal education (69.0%). Significant factors included maternal education ( P < 0.001), maternal age ( P < 0.001), marital status ( P = 0.003), ethnicity ( P = 0.013), media exposure (radio and television TV, both P < 0.001), residence ( P < 0.001), antenatal care (ANC) attendance ( P < 0.001), place of delivery ( P < 0.001) and maternal tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination ( P < 0.001). Independent predictors were lack of TT vaccination (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 12.33), absence of daily TV exposure (aOR = 21.15) and rural residence (aOR = 4.55). Conclusion: Incomplete immunisation in Abuja is shaped by sociodemographic, economic and service-related factors, particularly low maternal education, young maternal age, limited media exposure, inadequate ANC utilisation and non-facility delivery. Strengthening maternal health literacy, improving community outreach and enhancing continuity of maternal–child health services are essential for improving full immunisation coverage.
Nwaze et al. (Thu,) studied this question.