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. 2023 Apr 7;18(4):e0283881.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283881. eCollection 2023.

Factors associated with low childhood immunization coverage among Rohingya refugee parents in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Nawshin Ahmed  1 , A S M Ishtiak  2 , Md Faisal Kabir Rozars  3 , Atia Sharmin Bonna  1 , K M Pritam Alam  1 , Md Elias Hossan  4 , Rajib Das  1 , Joyeeta Khan  1 , Tahmina Zerin Mishu  1 , Sadia Afrin  1 , Naima Sultana  5 , Md Reza Al Mamun Rubel  1 , Md Abdullah Saeed Khan  2 , Nadira Sultana Kakoly  1
Affiliations

Factors associated with low childhood immunization coverage among Rohingya refugee parents in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Nawshin Ahmed et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Introduction: Immunization campaigns and Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) were launched by Government of Bangladesh (GoB) in collaboration with WHO and other Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) to tackle the increased risk of vaccine preventable disease outbreak in the Rohingya refugee camps. Immunization coverage was found to be lower than expected. However, a few studies explored the factors behind low vaccine uptake among Refugee children. Therefore, this study was aimed.

Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among Rohingya parents living in registered camps and makeshift settlements located in Teknaf and Ukhiya upazilla of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. A total of 224 Rohingya parents were conveniently selected (122 parents from each type of camps). Data was collected using a pretested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire with the help of bilingual volunteers who understand Rohingya dialect. All statistical analyses were carried out in IBM SPSS Version 26 (New York, USA).

Results: Total 63.1% of Rohingya parents had good practice regarding childhood immunization (completed EPI vaccination) as per schedule. Of all, 74.6% had good knowledge and 94.7% had positive attitude towards EPI vaccination. Good practice regarding vaccination was significantly more common among parents living in registered camps (77%) than those living in makeshift settlements (49.2%, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that living in registered camps (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 2.99; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.41-6.32) and good knowledge level (aOR: 2.88; 95%CI: 1.32-15.82) were independent determinants of good practice. A separate analysis in both type of camps revealed that in registered camps, good knowledge level (aOR: 3.62; 95%CI: 1.45-9.04) and having >2 children (aOR: 3.71; 95%CI: 1.34-10.27), and in makeshift settlements, father's employment (aOR: 2.33; 95%CI: 1.34-6.72), father's education (aOR: 3.00; 95%CI: 1.34-6.72) and presence of any electronic device (e.g., radio, television, mobile phone) (aOR: 4.01; 95%CI: 0.96-16.84) were significant determinants of good childhood immunization practice.

Conclusion: Health education and promotion strategies should be implemented to increase knowledge and awareness about EPI immunization benefits among Rohingya parents to ensure greater coverage.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Childhood immunization practice pattern among Rohingya refugee parents.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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