Determinants of hepatitis B vaccination among newborns in Benin in 2023

Abstract

Hepatitis B infection remains a major public health concern. Disparities persist in birth-dose vaccination coverage in Bohicon, Benin. This study aimed to identify the determinants of hepatitis B vaccination coverage in this commune in 2023. This was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection, using a mixed-methods approach, conducted in 2024 among newborns, their mothers, and healthcare workers responsible for vaccination. Newborns were selected using three-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to mothers, a data extraction form for health records and vaccination registers, and an interview guide for vaccination healthcare providers. Data analysis was performed using Stata 15. Bivariate analysis was followed by multivariate analysis. Variables retained in the final model were those with a p-value < 5%. A total of 340 newborns and their mothers were surveyed. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 77.06%. Determinants of vaccination were place of delivery, specifically in a public health centre (OR=10.38; 95%CI=[4.37; 24.65]) or a private centre (OR=3.51; 95%CI=[1.36; 9.05]); a favourable family perception of vaccination (OR=5.23; 95%CI=[2.68; 10.21]); normal birth weight (OR=21.26; 95%CI=[6.67; 67.72]) or birth weight > 4000 grammes (OR=130.83; 95%CI=[10.55; 162.12]); and the absence of neonatal resuscitation at birth (OR=7.34; 95%CI=[2.24; 23.96]). Overall, vaccination remains a challenge in the municipality of Bohicon.