Childhood immunization: Availability of primary care providers in Ontario.
OBJECTIVE
To examine childhood immunization levels relative to the number of family physicians, pediatricians, and public health nurses in Ontario.


METHODS
Retrospective comparative analysis of publicly available data on immunization coverage levels and the relative number of family physicians, pediatricians, and public health nurses.


METHODS
Ontario.


METHODS
Seven-year-old children, family physicians, pediatricians, and public health nurses in Ontario.


METHODS
The association between immunization coverage levels and the relative number of family physicians, pediatricians, and public health nurses.


RESULTS
We found correlations between immunization coverage levels and the relative number (ie, per 1000 Ontario residents) of family physicians (rho = 0.60) and pediatricians (rho = 0.70) and a lower correlation with the relative number of public health nurses (rho = 0.40), although none of these correlations was significant. A comparison of temporal trends illustrated that variation in the relative number of family physicians and pediatricians in Ontario was associated with similar variation in immunization coverage levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing the number of family physicians and pediatricians might help to boost access to immunizations and perhaps other components of cost-saving childhood preventive care.
Romain
Sandra
S
University of Toronto, Social Sciences, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4.
Schillaci
Michael A
MA
D002648:Child; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000078329:Workforce