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

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess hepatitis B vaccination coverage (vaccine coverage) among preschool children in Libreville, Gabon, and determine associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was done evaluating hepatitis B vaccination records, by cluster random sampling of children aged 4 months to 5 years from 5 medical centres.

RESULTS

Of the 500 children (243 males) included, we found a hepatitis B vaccine coverage of 78.6% (95% CI 75% to 82.2%). Factors significantly associated with vaccine coverage included parental confidence in the vaccine (OR=2.2;95% CI 1.4-5.5), the number of children at home lower than the median (aOR=1.6; 95% CI ; 1.3-3.7). and working mothers/fathers.

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis B vaccine coverage in Libreville is lower than WHO objectives. Healthcare providers have a crucial role in building up confidence among parents.

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