Abstract
Introduction
Vaccination is a critical public health intervention to prevent childhood morbidity and mortality. Despite global progress, vaccination coverage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Cambodia, remains suboptimal. Studies on the factors associated with complete basic childhood vaccination in Cambodia are limited. This study aimed to assess the determinants of complete basic childhood vaccination among children in Cambodia.
Methods
This study utilized data from the 2021–2022 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS). Children aged 12–35 months were included. We performed weighted analysis via descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance with a p-value < 0.05 and an AOR with a 95% CI were calculated to measure the strength of the association between completing basic childhood vaccination and independent predictors.
Results
A total of 3,065 children were included, 49.6% of whom were girls, with a mean age of 23 months (SD=6.9). Overall, 66.3% of the children received complete basic childhood vaccinations, with Ratanakiri (23.1%) and Koh Kong provinces (38.9%) having the lowest rates. Lower basic childhood vaccinations were associated with higher birth order (≥4th) (AOR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.84) and fewer ANC visits (<4) (AOR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.39–0.77). Higher basic childhood vaccinations were observed in children with birth weights ≥2.5 kg (AOR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.11–2.54), wealthier households (AOR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.13–2.06), mothers who received PNC (AOR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.03–1.62) and mothers aged ≥40 years (AOR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.04–4.78). Regional disparities were significant, with greater coverage in the plain region, Tonle Sap region, and mountain region than in the coastal/sea region.
Conclusion
Overall, complete basic childhood vaccination was lower than the national target, particularly in Koh Kong and Ratanak Kiri provinces. Lower vaccination rates were associated with higher birth orders, fewer ANC visits, and no PNC visits, whereas higher coverage was linked to greater birth weight, wealthier families, older maternal age, and geographical region. Targeted interventions in specific low-rate groups and regions are crucial for improving vaccination coverage and ensuring that targets are met.