Possible reasons for non-completion of immunization in an urban settlement of Papua New Guinea

Abstract

A study to identify possible reasons for non-completion of immunization among children was carried out in an urban settlement of Port Moresby. It was found that the children's mothers lacked basic understanding about immunization and the potential seriousness of immunizable diseases. There was also poor social interaction between health workers and the mothers. It is recommended that emphasis be placed also on the social aspects of immunization if widespread coverage is to be achieved.

PIP: Researchers interviewed 194 mothers of children 1-2 years old in Port Moresby, New Guinea to determine why childhood immunizations are not completed. They also looked at the baby clinic books to see if the children received the completed doses of vaccines. 87% did not know why children should be immunized. Moreover only 13% believed immunizations could prevent disease. Further 86.6% could not list any of the diseases that immunizations target. 11.9% did correctly report measles, tuberculosis, polio, and pertussis, however. On the other hand, 3 (1.5%) mothers incorrectly believed immunizations protect against malaria, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The relationship between lack of knowledge and noncompletion of immunization was not significant, however (p=.07). 76.8% reported very rude behavior on the part of the health staff. 15.5% went so far to say that the health staff often reacted aggressively towards them. Only 7.7% reported kind of behavior. Mothers who perceived health staff attitudes as negative tended not to return to the clinic with their children for the 3rd dose (p=.002). DPT and polio vaccine coverage declined consistently from 94% (1st dose) to 79% (3rd dose). Nevertheless 3rd dose coverage was considered rather high. Since hospital delivery was almost universal in Port Moresby and hospital staff routinely administer the BCG vaccination prior to discharge, BCG coverage was high (96%), however. Emphasis in the national immunization program should be on changing health staff attitudes leading to improvements in the social interaction between patients and health staff.