Minding the immunization gap: family characteristics associated with completion rates in rural Ethiopia.
To examine risk factors for lack of immunization, we tested the impact of maternal, paternal, and household variables on child immunization status in children >or =1 year in a rural area of Ethiopia. Data collected by face-to-face interview on maternal, paternal, household and child variables from cross-sectional random sample community-based study on health and well-being in rural Ethiopia was used to test hypotheses on immunization status of children (n = 924). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for two immunization outcomes: record of at least one vaccination, and record of DPT3, indicating completion of the DPT series. Complete data were available for 924 children > or =1 year of which 79% had at least one vaccination. Of those, 64% had DPT3/Polio3; below recommended coverage level. Children were more likely to be vaccinated if the mother reported antenatal care (ANC), and less likely to be vaccinated if the mother had a history of stillbirth, and no opinion of health center. Children were more likely to have DPT3 if: mother had > or =1 year of education, mother reported ANC, or older paternal age. Children were less likely to have DPT3 in households with food insecurity and no maternal opinion of health center. The study had three findings with implications for immunization programming: (1) Mothers completing the recommended ANC visits is strongly associated with receiving at least one vaccination and with completing a vaccination series; (2) Maternal education is associated with a completed vaccination series; (3) Paternal characteristics may affect vaccination series completion.
Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. mary-christine.sullivan@yale.edu
Mary-Christine
MC
Sullivan
Ayalew
A
Tegegn
Fasil
F
Tessema
Sandro
S
Galea
Craig
C
Hadley
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005002:Ethiopia; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010331:Paternal Age; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult