Trends and determinants of complete vaccination coverage among children aged 12–59 months: An analysis of Bénin Demographic and Health Surveys from 1996 to 2018

Vaccination is pivotal for global public health, yet achieving complete coverage among children in low-income countries remains challenging. This study assessed vaccination trends in children aged 12-59 months using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from 1996 to 2018 in Bénin. The study incorporated a range of independent variables sourced from prior studies. The data was processed and analyzed using R version 4.2.0, employing a combination of inferential and descriptive statistical techniques. Both univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the determinants of complete vaccination coverage. The trend of complete childhood vaccination coverage in Bénin has shown fluctuations, with rates increasing from 47% in 1996 to 55% in 2017-2018. Higher levels of parental education -fathers (aOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.15-1.73) and mothers (aOR 1.69; CI 1.12-2.57), and urban residence (aOR 1.08; CI 1.00-1.16), were associated with complete childhood vaccination coverage. This association was also found for other factors such as antenatal care visits (aOR 1.15; CI 1.04-1.28) and deliveries at healthcare facilities (aOR 2.48; CI 2.22-2.77). Despite significant progress overtime, challenges persist, particularly among younger and rural mothers. Targeted interventions, like community-based vaccination advocacy and effective reminder systems, are essential to addressing these issues and improving vaccination coverage.