Utilization of private sector for immunization of children in Colombo Municipal Council area

Abstract

The objectives of the present community based cross sectional study were to; estimate the proportion of children immunized in the private sector; describe socio-demographic factors associated with users of private sector immunization and compare these factors with government sector users; estimate the usage of non EPI vaccines; and describe the factors associated with the use of non EPI vaccine. This study was carried out. in 30 wards of the Colombo Municipal Council area using WHO 30 cluster-methodology. The total number of households studied was 553. Pre tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Out of 5028 total immunizations reported in the present study, 2544 (33.59) was done in the private sector. Parents used the private sector exclusively for immunization was 18.8 ( C.U5.54-22.05). . Efficiency of the service (36.5), availability of non-EPI vaccines (20.8) and quality of care (18.8) were the most common reasons for private sector utilization. Family income, social class, parental age, ethnicity, religion, and educational level of the parents were significantly associated (pO.OOI in all occasions) with private sector utilization as well as the use of non -EPI vaccines. Measles(12-23 months age group) and JE (24-35 months age group) vaccine coverage's were significantly high among private sector users (p=0.008 and 0.016 respectively). Knowledge on vaccine preventable diseases and non –EPI vaccines were significantly high among mix users ( p<0.05.). The satisfaction regarding the competency of vaccinator was only 50 among exclusively private sector users while among government sector users it was 78.9.