Factors associated with non-adherence to the immunisation schedule among children under one year of age (study conducted at Wangata General Referral Hospital between June 2021 and December 2024)

Abstract

Introduction: This study explores a major public health issue, namely the problem of insufficient vaccination coverage among children under one year of age, where failure to adhere to the immunisation schedule can lead to epidemics of preventable diseases and increase infant mortality.

Several socio-economic and educational factors can influence parents’ adherence to the immunisation schedule. This study aims to identify and analyse the main factors associated with non-adherence to the immunisation schedule among children under one year of age, specifically at Wangata General Referral Hospital. The study was conducted between June 2021 and December 2024

Method: The study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional (descriptive) approach, involving mothers of children under one year of age receiving care at Wangata General Hospital. Data were collected using standardised questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and multivariate statistics; the factors studied included: mothers’ educational attainment, socio-economic status, access to healthcare services, cultural beliefs regarding vaccination, and the organisation of vaccination campaigns.

Results: The study revealed several factors influencing non-compliance with the immunisation schedule:

• Mothers’ level of education: Children whose parents had a low level of education showed a non-compliance rate with the immunisation schedule of 68 per cent. Furthermore, parents aged under 25 had a non-compliance rate of 62 per cent, likely due to a lack of experience and support.
• Access to healthcare services: the impact of geographical distance influences the rate of non-compliance with the immunisation schedule and access to vaccination services.
• Cultural beliefs: Around 25 per cent of parents expressed concerns about the side effects of vaccines, particularly fever and local reactions, with a non-compliance rate of 65 per cent. It was observed that 18 per cent of parents waited for recommendations from traditional healers before vaccinating their children, leading to delays in vaccination for these children, with a non-compliance rate with the immunisation schedule approaching 70 per cent.

Furthermore, a lack of information on the importance of vaccination and financial difficulties appear to be underlying factors contributing to non-compliance with the immunisation schedule.

Conclusion: Non-compliance with the immunisation schedule among children under one year of age at Wangata General Referral Hospital is multifactorial. It is essential to implement public policies aimed at increasing vaccination coverage and reducing barriers to access to healthcare services in order to prevent the re-emergence of preventable diseases.

Keywords: Children, Failure to adhere to the immunisation schedule, Wangata, Ecuador.

Received Date: April 21, 2026

Accepted Date: May 12, 2026

Published Date: June 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/749