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Pulver A, Guttmann A, Ray JG, O'Campo PJ, Urquia ML. Receipt of routine preventive care among infant daughters and sons of immigrant mothers in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036127. [PMID: 32737090 PMCID: PMC7398108 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore gender disparities in infant routine preventive care across maternal countries of birth (MCOB) and by mother tongue among infants of Indian-born mothers. SETTING Retrospective population-based administrative cohort in Ontario, Canada (births between 2002 and 2014). PARTICIPANTS 350 366 (inclusive) healthy term singletons belonging to families with a minimum of one opposite gender child. OUTCOME MEASURES Fixed effects conditional logistic regression generated adjusted ORs (aORs) for a daughter being underimmunised and having an inadequate number of well-child visits compared with her brother, stratified by MCOB. Moderation by maternal mother tongue was assessed among children to Indian-born mothers. RESULTS Underimmunisation and inadequate well-child visits were common among both boys and girls, ranging from 26.5% to 58.2% (underimmunisation) and 10.5% to 47.8% (inadequate well-child visits). depending on the maternal birthplace. Girls whose mothers were born in India had 1.19 times (95% CI 1.07 to 1.33) the adjusted odds of inadequate well-child visits versus their brothers. This association was only observed among the Punjabi mother tongue subgroup (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.47). In the Hindi mother tongue subgroup, girls had lower odds of underimmunisation than their brothers (aOR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS Gender equity in routine preventive healthcare is mostly achieved among children of immigrants. However, daughters of Indian-born mothers whose mother tongue is Punjabi, appear to be at a disadvantage for well-child visits compared with their brothers. This suggests son preference may persist beyond the family planning stage among some Indian immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Pulver
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Deaprtment of Epidemiology, University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel G Ray
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia J O'Campo
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcelo L Urquia
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Muchomba FM, Chatterji S. Disability among children of immigrants from India and China: Is there excess disability among girls? Population Studies 2020; 74:263-281. [PMID: 32484384 DOI: 10.1080/00324728.2020.1762911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We investigate whether there is excess morbidity among daughters of Indian or Chinese immigrants in the US by studying the prevalence of disability among children. We use data from the 2012-14 American Community Surveys on approximately 20,000 US-born children of Indian and Chinese immigrants. Children of US natives are used as a comparison group to account for innate differences in disability between the sexes. Results indicate that there is excess disability among daughters compared with sons among children of Chinese immigrants and children of immigrants from northern or western Indian states; this excess disability declines with younger age at arrival or longer exposure to the host country. Analysis using children of Filipino immigrants as an alternative comparison group yields similar excess disability rates for females. Supplementary material is available for this article at: https://doi.org/10.1080/00324728.2020.1762911.
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A scoping review of female disadvantage in health care use among very young children of immigrant families. Soc Sci Med 2016; 152:50-60. [PMID: 26840770 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preference for sons culminates in higher mortality and inadequate immunizations and health care visits for girls compared to boys in several countries. It is unknown if the negative consequences of son-preference persist among those who immigrate to Western, high-income countries. To review the literature regarding gender inequities in health care use among children of parents who migrate to Western, high-income countries, we completed a scoping literature review using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Scopus databases. We identified studies reporting gender-specific health care use by children aged 5 years and younger whose parents had migrated to a Western country. Two independent reviewers conducted data extraction and a quality assessment tool was applied to each included study. We retrieved 1547 titles, of which 103 were reviewed in detail and 12 met our inclusion criteria. Studies originated from the United States and Europe, using cross-sectional or registry-based designs. Five studies examined gender differences in health care use within immigrant groups, and only one study explored the female health disadvantage hypothesis. No consistent gender differences were observed for routine primary care visits however immunizations and prescriptions were elevated for boys. Greater use of acute health services, namely emergency department visits and hospitalizations, was observed for boys over girls in several studies. Studies did not formally complete gender-based analyses or assess for acculturation factors. Health care use among children in immigrant families may differ between boys and girls, but the reasons for why this is so are largely unexplored. Further gender-based research with attention paid to the diversity of immigrant populations may help health care providers identify children with unmet health care needs.
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Klein SL, Marriott I, Fish EN. Sex-based differences in immune function and responses to vaccination. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2015; 109:9-15. [PMID: 25573105 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/tru167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Females typically develop higher antibody responses and experience more adverse reactions following vaccination than males. These differences are observed in response to diverse vaccines, including the bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, the yellow fever virus vaccine and influenza vaccines. Sex differences in the responses to vaccines are observed across diverse age groups, ranging from infants to aged individuals. Biological as well as behavioral differences between the sexes are likely to contribute to differences in the outcome of vaccination between the sexes. Immunological, hormonal, genetic and microbiota differences between males and females may also affect the outcome of vaccination. Identifying ways to reduce adverse reactions in females and increase immune responses in males will be necessary to adequately protect both sexes against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ian Marriott
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eleanor N Fish
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Canada Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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Klein SL, Jedlicka A, Pekosz A. The Xs and Y of immune responses to viral vaccines. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2010; 10:338-49. [PMID: 20417416 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(10)70049-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 579] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The biological differences associated with the sex of an individual are a major source of variation, affecting immune responses to vaccination. Compelling clinical data illustrate that men and women differ in their innate, humoral, and cell-mediated responses to viral vaccines. Sex affects the frequency and severity of adverse effects of vaccination, including fever, pain, and inflammation. Pregnancy can also substantially alter immune responses to vaccines. Data from clinical trials and animal models of vaccine efficacy lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at identifying the biological mechanisms that underlie sex-specific responses to vaccines, including genetic and hormonal factors. An understanding and appreciation of the effect of sex and pregnancy on immune responses might change the strategies used by public health officials to start efficient vaccination programmes (optimising the timing and dose of the vaccine so that the maximum number of people are immunised), ensure sufficient levels of immune responses, minimise adverse effects, and allow for more efficient protection of populations that are high priority (eg, pregnant women and individuals with comorbid conditions).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabra L Klein
- W Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Mixer RE, Jamrozik K, Newsom D. Ethnicity as a correlate of the uptake of the first dose of mumps, measles and rubella vaccine. J Epidemiol Community Health 2007; 61:797-801. [PMID: 17699534 PMCID: PMC2660004 DOI: 10.1136/jech.2005.045633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether a relationship exists between ethnicity and uptake of the first dose of mumps, measles and rubella (MMR1) vaccination, and to study important factors influencing the parental decision about vaccination. Examination of routine data on uptake of MMR1 vaccine among children living in the London borough of Brent, North West London, for associations with ethnicity was carried out. Six focus group interviews were held and a questionnaire on factors related to immunisation by convenience samples of mothers from Asian, Afro-Caribbean and White backgrounds was completed. The routine data reported MMR1 vaccine status for 6444 children living in Brent who were aged between 18 months and 3 years on 1 December 2003. A total of 37 mothers took part in the 6 focus group sessions. Significantly higher coverage by MMR1 vaccine in the Asian population (87.1%) compared with Afro-Caribbeans (74.7%) and the White group (57.5%) was noticed. The qualitative data revealed clear differences between the ethnic groups with respect to awareness of the controversy surrounding MMR vaccination (related to use of English-language media) and influence of grandparents and health professionals in decisions about immunisation. A multiple logistic regression model showed that although coverage of MMR vaccination increased with increasing socioeconomic status, there was no evidence of a statistically significant interaction between socioeconomic status and ethnicity. An important association between ethnicity and uptake of MMR1 vaccine is observed. This has implications for efforts to improve the currently inadequate levels of MMR vaccination across the population as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Mixer
- Postgraduate Education Centre, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, UK.
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Booy R, Haworth EA, Ali KA, Chapel HM, Moxon ER. Immunogenicity of routine vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b in Asian infants born in the United Kingdom. Arch Dis Child 2005; 90:589-91. [PMID: 15908622 PMCID: PMC1720432 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2004.064469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine the immunogenicity of routine vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in Asian infants born in the UK, and whether maternal antibody suppression occurs. METHODS A cohort study with 80% power, within 95% confidence limits, to show that 80% or fewer Asian infants would respond with an anti-PRP antibody concentration >0.15 microg/ml. Infants of South Asian origin born in Berkshire were enrolled at two general practices in Reading: 41 Asian families sequentially asked to participate within 2 weeks of birth; 36 infants were enrolled and 34 completed the study. Main outcome measures were: antibody concentration against diphtheria, tetanus, and Hib expressed as geometric mean titres (GMT) and proportion of infants about a threshold protective antibody concentration. RESULTS Median age for completing primary vaccination course was 5 months. All 34 achieved anti-PRP antibody concentration of >0.15 microg/ml, 33 were >1.0 microg/ml, and the GMT was 15.0 microg/ml. All infants developed protective antibody concentration >0.1 IU/ml for tetanus and diphtheria; the respective GMTs were 1.94 and 5.57 IU/ml. Infants with high (>0.25 IU/ml) antibody concentrations against diphtheria and tetanus at 2 months achieved lower antibody concentrations after their three dose course than those with low concentrations (<0.1 IU/ml) (p = 0.06 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Despite evidence for maternal antibody suppression of the response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccination, excellent antibody responses were achieved by routine vaccination according to the accelerated schedule. High vaccine coverage should be encouraged to provide protection against the possibility of imported infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Booy
- Research Centre for Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK.
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Braveman P, Tarimo E. Social inequalities in health within countries: not only an issue for affluent nations. Soc Sci Med 2002; 54:1621-35. [PMID: 12113445 DOI: 10.1016/s0277-9536(01)00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
While interest in social disparities in health within affluent nations has been growing, discussion of equity in health with regard to low- and middle-income countries has generally focused on north-south and between-country differences, rather than on gaps between social groups within the countries where most of the world's population lives. This paper aims to articulate a rationale for focusing on within- as well as between-country health disparities in nations of all per capita income levels, and to suggest relevant reference material, particularly for developing country researchers. Routine health information can obscure large inter-group disparities within a country. While appropriately disaggregated routine information is lacking, evidence from special studies reveals significant and in many cases widening disparities in health among more and less privileged social groups within low- and middle- as well as high-income countries: avoidable disparities are observed not only across socioeconomic groups but also by gender, ethnicity, and other markers of underlying social disadvantage. Globally, economic inequalities are widening and, where relevant information is available, generally accompanied by widening or stagnant health inequalities. Related global economic trends, including pressures to cut social spending and compete in global markets, are making it especially difficult for lower-income countries to implement and sustain equitable policies. For all of these reasons, explicit concerns about equity in health and its determinants need to be placed higher on the policy and research agendas of both international and national organizations in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. International agencies can strengthen or undermine national efforts to achieve greater equity. The Primary Health Care strategy is at least as relevant today as it was two decades ago: but equity needs to move from being largely implicit to becoming an explicit component of the strategy, and progress toward greater equity must be carefully monitored in countries of all per capita income levels. Particularly in the context of an increasingly globalized world, improvements in health for privileged groups should suggest what could, with political will, be possible for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Braveman
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0900, USA.
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Sheffield J, Hussain A, Coleshill P. Organizational barriers and ethnicity in the Scottish NHS. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT IN MEDICINE 2000; 13:263-4. [PMID: 10787497 DOI: 10.1108/02689239910291009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The NHS faces a crisis in terms of staffing and recruitment. Many of the ethnic minority GPs in inner city areas throughout the UK are coming up to retirement age, and there is an insufficient supply of trainees to fill estimated vacancies. Over 2,000 nursing vacancies exist across the UK, and recruitment to the profession and retention within the profession are poor. Nurses have been recruited from overseas for the past 40 years, and are currently being recruited from Finland, Malaysia, and the West Indies, whilst doctors are being sought in India, Pakistan and Africa. Overseas recruitment is not a new phenomenon, and numerous studies have been carried out to examine equal opportunities and racial discrimination within the NHS. The aim of this paper was to examine ethnicity and equal opportunities within the Scottish NHS and record the levels of organisational awareness of ethnicity and equal opportunities' issues. The paper also examines the link between health service delivery to ethnic minorities and internal cultural attitudes to staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sheffield
- Scottish Centre for European Public Sector Studies, Faculty of Business, University of Paisley, Scotland, UK
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Martineau A, White M. What's not in a name. The accuracy of using names to ascribe religious and geographical origin in a British population. J Epidemiol Community Health 1998; 52:336-7. [PMID: 9764286 PMCID: PMC1756705 DOI: 10.1136/jech.52.5.336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Martineau
- Chris Hani Barag Wanath Hospital, Soweto, South Africa
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