Exploring determinants of basic childhood vaccination coverage in Bangladesh: a generalized Poisson regression analysis

Childhood vaccination is crucial for safeguarding children against potentially life-threatening diseases. This study aims to investigate the significant factors influencing vaccination coverage among children aged 12–59 months in Bangladesh. The study utilizes cross-sectional data from the 2017–18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. A Kruskal–Wallis test is employed in bivariate analysis to identify significant predictors associated with childhood immunizations. A generalized Poisson regression model is applied to assess the impact of various risk factors on children’s incomplete vaccination status. Children born in the Sylhet division show lower chances of receiving immunizations. Additionally, children whose mothers are younger, have no education or only primary education, and are unemployed, are less likely to be fully vaccinated. Furthermore, children born into smaller families, first birth, those whose mothers had access to media, and those who received more than four antenatal visits during pregnancy are more likely to have received all recommended vaccines. Implementing targeted interventions to improve childhood vaccination coverage, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young and uneducated mothers with middle-income status, is crucial. Enhancing media access, promoting the utilization of antenatal care at health care facilities, and raising awareness about the benefits of vaccination can help ensure optimal vaccination coverage among children in Bangladesh.