Exploring Critical Factors Associated with Completion of Childhood Immunisation in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

(1) Background: surveillance data from the Saudi Ministry of Health shows that the Kingdom’s large-scale immunisation programme has significantly reduced the mortality and morbidity of the target diseases among children. In this study, we review relevant literature and test a number of hypotheses related to the association between demographic, socio-economic, clinic-related, and parents-related variables and completion of childhood immunisation. In doing so, this study identifies critical factors associated with completion of childhood immunisation and presents important implications to healthcare practitioners, particularly in Saudi Arabia; (2) Literature review: a systematic literature review was conducted to understand what is currently published concerning parents’ immunisation compliance in Saudi Arabia and the factors associated with immunisation compliance. (3) Methods: from March to May 2022, an online survey was administered to parents attending one of the 27 primary health care (PHC) centres in Qatif. Data from parents (n = 353) were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, correlation, and a series of OLS and logistic regression models; (4) Results: parental (child) age was negatively (positively) associated with the completion status of childhood immunisation (both p < 0.05). Parents with positive attitudes, social norms, perceptions towards immunisation, and those working in private companies were more likely to immunise their children (all p < 0.05). Conversely, living in an apartment building, walking to PHCs, waiting longer at PHCs, and having higher knowledge of immunisation were negatively associated with the completion of childhood immunisation (all p < 0.05); (5) Conclusions: several factors that positively or negatively influence the completion of childhood immunisation have been identified. Future studies may investigate the causal link between these factors and parental decision-making regarding childhood immunisation.

A Qualitative Analysis of Social-Ecological Factors Shaping Childhood Immunisation Hesitancy and Delay in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

“…This study is part of a larger explanatory sequential mixed method design project that aims to explore factors influencing parents’ decision making to complete childhood immunisation in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The initial quantitative phase included a population of 350 parents [ 14 ].…”

“…Various demographic traits hinder immunisation efforts, including limited transportation to clinics, time constraints [ 14 ], and rural residence with unmet social needs, financial stress, and higher rates of chronic conditions, leading to missed opportunities for vaccination [ 1 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Low maternal education also serves as a barrier to immunisation [ 18 ], while financial constraints significantly influence uptake [ 19 ].…”

“…Immunisation policies were initially implemented to control vaccine-preventable diseases, leading to increased coverage and decreased morbidity [ 14 , 33 ]. However, policy-level barriers to vaccine compliance are linked to health insurance status, with low-income and uninsured individuals being less likely to be immunised [ 34 ].…”