Determinants of hepatitis B vaccination coverage in children aged 12-23 months: evidence from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey

Hepatitis B is a prevalent disease, especially in children. Numerous factors influence its vaccination rate. Therefore, this study aims to assess different socio-economic factors associated with hepatitis B vaccination among children in Sudan. Data from the nationwide Sudan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2014 were utilized. The dataset comprises the hepatitis B immunization status and child, parental, and household characteristics of 2,672 children aged 12 to 23 months. Univariable and multivariable survey logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify determinants of hepatitis B immunization, and unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were reported along with 95% confidence intervals. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. IBM SPSS was used to facilitate data analysis. The national hepatitis B vaccination rate in Sudan was 73.9%. Urban regions had a statistically greater rate of immunization than the average; 81.8% of children were registered, according to the survey. The findings showed that 87.2% of households had an educated mother; married mothers were more than mothers who were single or had never married. The result revealed that 87% of mothers gave birth in the private sector. According to the antenatal visits, 81% of mothers had four or more prenatal visits. The logistic regression analysis for socio-demographic and household characteristics revealed that the odds of immunization are significantly higher for registered children (AOR: 1.69), with the highest likelihood of immunization among mothers aged 35-39 (AOR: 2.48). The study reported that the chance of hepatitis B immunization was highest among women who had four or more antenatal visits (AOR: 1.95). Additionally, the likelihood of receiving a vaccination was higher for all wealth levels than for the poorest (AOR: 4.97). Furthermore, compared to a public or private health institution, the odds of immunization are much lower when the delivery takes place at home (AOR: 0.67). The study highlighted the importance of socio-economic factors in determining hepatitis B vaccination among children in Sudan. Educated mothers, registered children, and the place of delivery have significantly impacted the immunization against the hepatitis B virus. However, marital status, polygyny, and the wealth index quintile were found to be the main barriers to HBV vaccine coverage.