Determinants of timely presentation for birth dose vaccination at an immunization centre in north-central Nigeria

Background: Timely receipt of immunization is an essential prerequisite to ensure early protection of the child. However, a low proportion of children in Nigeria benefit from the timely administration of the birth dose vaccines. Objectives: These were identification of factors associated with timely presentation and reasons for presentation beyond 24 hours at an immunization centre in Ilorin, Nigeria. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 480 mother-infant pairs was conducted at an immunization centre. Socio-demographic, antenatal care (ANC) and delivery details, infant’s birthday and day of presentation for vaccination were recorded. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with time to presentation within day one. Findings: 239 (49.8%), 421 (87.7%) and 454 (94.6%) babies were vaccinated within days one, seven and 14 respectively. Post-secondary education level of mothers (OR = 3.60; 95% C.I: 1.30-9.91), antenatal care attendance (OR = 9.55; 95% C.I: 1.75-52.12), and hospital delivery (OR = 6.36; 95% C.I: 1.33-30.38) were associated with presentation within day one. Having correct knowledge of the immunization schedule increased the odds of early presentation by three times, p = 0.025. The commonest reason for presentation after day one for vaccination was weekend/public holiday delivery identified in 83 (35.2%) mother-infant pairs. Conclusion: Hospital delivery, attendance at antenatal care, postsecondary education and knowledge of the immunization schedule were factors associated with timely presentation for birth dose vaccination. Strategies to improve timeliness of the birth dose vaccination should target babies delivered outside the hospital as well as during weekends in the hospital. Also, inclusion of immunization into the health education curriculum of schools could be beneficial.