Maternal healthcare utilization and full immunization coverage among 12–23 months children in Benin: a cross sectional study using population-based data

Abstract

Background Maternal and child health are important issues for global health policy, and the past three decades have seen a significant progress in maternal and child healthcare worldwide. Immunization is a critical, efficient, and cost-effective public health intervention for newborns. However, studies on these health-promoting indicators in low-income and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Sahara Africa are sparse. We investigated the association between maternal healthcare utilization and complete vaccination in the Republic of Benin. Methods We analysed data from the 2018 Benin Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). Specifically, the children’s recode file was used for the study. The outcome variable used was complete vaccination. Number of antenatal care visits, assistance during delivery, and postnatal check-up visits were the key explanatory variables. Bivariate and multilevel logistic regression analyses were carried out. The results were presented as unadjusted odds ratios (uOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) signifying their level of precision. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of full immunization coverage in Benin was 85.4%. The likelihood of full immunization was lower among children whose mothers had no antenatal care visits, compared to those whose mothers had 1–3 visits [aOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.08–0.15], those who got assistance from Traditional Birth Attendants/other during delivery, compared to those who had assistance from Skilled Birth Attendants/health professionals [aOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40–0.77], and mothers who had no postnatal care check-up visit, compared to those who had postnatal care check-up < 24 h after delivery [aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.36–0.67]. With the covariates, religion, partner’s level of education, parity, wealth quintile, and place of residence also showed significant associations with full immunization. Conclusion The study has demonstrated strong association between full immunization and antenatal care, skilled attendance at birth, and postnatal care check-up visit. We found that full immunization decreases among women with no antenatal care visits, those who receive assistance from Traditional Birth Attendants during delivery, and those who do not go for postnatal care visits. To help achieve full immunization, it is prudent that the government of Benin collaborates with international organisations such as WHO and UNICEF to provide education to pregnant women on the importance of immunization after delivery. Such education can be embedded in the antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care services offered to pregnant women during pregnancy, delivery, and after delivery.

Immunization status of children aged 12-23 months in Jonglei State, South Sudan: a cross-sectional epidemiologic study

“…It may be because of the cultural beliefs of the communities who feel safer at home during childbirth [ 32 ]. In contrary to the studies suggesting a positive correlation between SBA and immunization [ 33 , 34 ], immunization coverage was higher in children assisted by TBA in this study. As suggested previously [ 21 , 35 ], tetanus immunization taken during pregnancy was significantly associated with child immunization coverage.…”

Utilisation of growth monitoring service by mothers of infants in Mettu town, Southwest Ethiopia

“…This study is supported by a study conducted in Benin that reported mothers who had early PNC were more likely to use maternal and child health services. 28 …”

Child Vaccination Coverage, Trends and Predictors in Eastern Ethiopia: Implication for Sustainable Development Goals

“…The result was in line with previous reports. 13 , 59 , 60 Maternal and child health care are interrelated. The more women adhere to maternal and child care, the more women know benefit, understand the appointment and improved communication with care providers.…”

“…Previous studies reported the opposite. 13,57,59,60,[63][64][65] Institutional deliveries advantage for further maternal and childcare is not questionable. However, the inability of caregivers to transition from delivery services and to later continue with care provided for their children is a major concern in sub-Saharan Africa.…”