Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage of Preschool Children in Libreville, Gabon: Prevalence and Determining Factors

S Minto'o1, E Kuissi Kamgaing2, U Bisvigou3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Libreville, Gabon. Correspondence to: Dr Steeve Minto'o, Faculty of Medicine, P.O. Box 4009 Libreville, Gabon.steeve.mintoo@hotmail.fr.

Indian Pediatrics
|January 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B vaccine coverage in Libreville reached 78.6%, below WHO goals. Parental confidence and family size influenced vaccination rates, highlighting the need for healthcare provider engagement.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Hepatitis B remains a significant global health concern.
  • Effective vaccination strategies are crucial for preventing disease transmission.
  • Understanding vaccination coverage in specific regions is vital for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate hepatitis B vaccine coverage among preschool children in Libreville, Gabon.
  • To identify factors associated with hepatitis B vaccine uptake in this population.
  • To compare coverage rates with World Health Organization (WHO) objectives.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study design was employed.
  • Cluster random sampling of 500 children aged 4 months to 5 years was conducted across 5 medical centers.
  • Hepatitis B vaccination records were systematically evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Hepatitis B vaccine coverage was found to be 78.6% (95% CI 75%-82.2%).
  • Factors positively associated with vaccine coverage included parental confidence in the vaccine (OR=2.2) and having fewer children than the median (aOR=1.6).
  • Having working mothers or fathers was also linked to higher vaccine coverage.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis B vaccine coverage in Libreville falls short of WHO targets.
  • Parental confidence in vaccines is a key determinant of vaccine uptake.
  • Healthcare providers play a critical role in enhancing parental confidence and improving vaccination rates.
Abstract