Factors associated with non-utilization of child immunization in Pakistan: evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07

Socio-demographic factors affecting the first and second dose of measles vaccination status among under-five children: Perspectives from South Asian countries

Background

The measles vaccine is crucial in preventing fatalities and reducing widespread childhood infections worldwide, yet achieving the desired immunization rates remains a challenge in developing countries. Our study aims to identify the impact of socio-demographic factors on measles vaccination among children in South Asian countries.

Methods

Participants (89513) were taken from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) datasets of South Asian countries between 2015 and 2021. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses were employed to find out the factors associated with measles vaccination among South Asian countries.

Results

Our study found that the first dose of vaccinated children was 51.7 % in Afghanistan which is the lowest among South Asian countries. The key determinants related to two doses of measles vaccination include parental characteristics, media access, and antenatal care (ANC). Mothers who had done baby postnatal checkups (AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.17-1.26) and made more than four ANC (AOR = 1.77, CI: 1.65-1.89) were more likely to fully immunize their child than mothers with no postnatal and antenatal checkups.

Conclusion

The complete dose of measles vaccination rate in South Asia is still low compared to the first dose of measles vaccination among children. The government and stakeholders should organize frequent awareness programs through media and health personnel to inform people about routine vaccinations to eliminate measles.

Prediction of incomplete immunization among under-five children in East Africa from recent demographic and health surveys: a machine learning approach

The World Health Organization as part of the goal of universal vaccination coverage by 2030 for all individuals. The global under-five mortality rate declined from 59% in 1990 to 38% in 2019, due to high immunization coverage. Despite the significant improvements in immunization coverage, about 20 million children were either unvaccinated or had incomplete immunization, making them more susceptible to mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to identify predictors of incomplete vaccination among children under-5 years in East Africa. An analysis of secondary data from six east African countries using Demographic and Health Survey dataset from 2016 to the recent 2021 was performed. A total weighted sample of 27,806 children aged (12-35) months was included in this study. Data were extracted using STATA version 17 statistical software and imported to a Jupyter notebook for further analysis. A supervised machine learning algorithm was implemented using different classification models. All analysis and calculations were performed using Python 3 programming language in Jupyter Notebook using imblearn, sklearn, XGBoost, and shap packages. XGBoost classifier demonstrated the best performance with accuracy (79.01%), recall (89.88%), F1-score (81.10%), precision (73.89%), and AUC 86%. Predictors of incomplete immunization are identified using XGBoost models with help of Shapely additive eXplanation. This study revealed that the number of living children during birth, antenatal care follow-up, maternal age, place of delivery, birth order, preceding birth interval and mothers' occupation were the top predicting factors of incomplete immunization. Thus, family planning programs should prioritize the number of living children during birth and the preceding birth interval by enhancing maternal education. In conclusion promoting institutional delivery and increasing the number of antenatal care follow-ups by more than fourfold is encouraged.

Immunization coverage and its associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in Ethiopia: An umbrella review of systematic review and meta-analysis studies

BACKGROUND

Immunization estimated to prevent 2 to 3 million children deaths every year from vaccine preventable disease. In Ethiopia, limited and inconclusive studies have been conducted on immunization coverage so far. Therefore, this umbrella review was intended to estimate the pooled national immunization coverage and its associated factors among children age 12-23 months in Ethiopia.

METHODS

This umbrella review included five systematic reviews and meta-analyses through literature search from PubMed, Science direct, and web of science, CINHALE, and data bases specific to systematic reviews such as the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Prospero, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews from May 1 to 30/ 2023. Only systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in English from inception to May 1, 2023, were included. The quality of each study was assessed using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews. Data were extracted using Microsoft excel 2016 and analyzed using STATA 17.0 statistical software. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Cochran Q statistics and I2 test. The pooled effect sizes were determined using pooled proportion for the full vaccination coverage and odds ratios for the associated factors with the corresponding 95% confidence interval were used to declare statically significance.

RESULTS

Five studies with 77,161 children aged 12-23 months were included. The overall pooled full vaccination coverage was 57.72% (95% CI 50.17, 65.28). Institutional delivery (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.78-2.52), travel to vaccination site for <2 hours (OR: 2.43, 95%CI: 1.97-3.00), received at least one antenatal (ANC) visit (OR: 3.2, 95%CI: 2.46-4.1), good maternal knowledge of immunization (OR: 3.63, 95%CI: 2.82-4.67), being informed on immunization schedule (OR: 2.54, 95%CI: 2.02-3.2), living in urban areas (OR: 2, 95% CI: 1.54-2.6), and a household visit by health-care providers (HCP) during the postnatal period (OR: 2.23, 95%CI: 1.22-4.09) were the independent predictors of immunization coverage.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the full immunization coverage in Ethiopia was lower compared to the WHO-recommended level. Besides, the current umbrella review identifies several factors that contribute to higher immunization coverage. These includes; institutional delivery, near to vaccination site, having ANC visit, being urban residence, household visited by HCP, having good knowledge and informed on immunization schedule. Thus, the government should intensify the growth of immunization services by emphasizing outreach initiatives to reach remote areas and professionals must combine child immunization service with other medical services offered by health institutions.

Social determinants of low uptake of childhood vaccination in high-risk squatter settlements in Karachi, Pakistan - A step towards addressing vaccine inequity in urban slums

Background

Routine vaccination has remained historically low in major urban pockets of Pakistan, and now lags behind rural vaccination rates. Grossly insufficient publicly funded primary healthcare infrastructure, heterogeneous mix of providers and multi-ethnicity of populations pose challenges in the delivery of essential health services. This paper ascertains factors associated with uptake of routine childhood vaccination, using Pentavalent-3 vaccine, as a proxy indicator for completion of age-appropriate vaccines in urban slums of Karachi, at high risk of Polio and vaccine preventable disease outbreaks.

Methods

Data was drawn from baseline assessment of an urban immunization delivery pilot project in urban slums of Karachi, Pakistan. The study sample comprised of 2,097 households with children aged 4-12 months, sampled through a cross-sectional cluster survey, applying a structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between Penta-3 vaccination, as the outcome variable, and predictor variables including socio-demographic characteristics and healthcare access factors.

Results

The findings showed that the likelihood of being immunized with Penta-3 was higher for non-Pashtun ethnicity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.69; 95% CI 1.33-2.14], children of educated mothers, secondary or higher [aOR 2.95, 95% CI 2.34-3.71], and those whose fathers were formally employed (aOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.19-1.97). No association was seen by gender of child [aOR 0.89; 95% CI 0.73-1.08], and place of new born delivery [aOR 1.01; 95% CI 0.83-1.24].

Conclusion

Pockets of critically low under-vaccinations within the urban slums of Karachi are associated with Pashtun ethnicity, distance to the vaccination centre, lack of mothers' education and lack of stable family income as in the case of unemployed and daily wage-earning fathers. Recognition of these factors is required in designing contextually appropriate strategies to address vaccine inequity in urban settings.

High prevalence of zero-dose children in underserved and special setting populations in Ethiopia using a generalize estimating equation and concentration index analysis

BACKGROUND

Globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2023 report, more than 14.3 million children in low- and middle-income countries, primarily in Africa and South-East Asia, are not receiving any vaccinations. Ethiopia is one of the top ten countries contributing to the global number of zero-dose children.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of zero-dose children and associated factors in underserved populations of Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional vaccine coverage survey was conducted in June 2022. The study participants were mothers of children aged 12-35 months. Data were collected using the CommCare application system and later analysed using Stata version 17. Vaccination coverage was estimated using a weighted analysis approach. A generalized estimating equation model was fitted to determine the predictors of zero-dose children. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of zero-dose children in the study settings was 33.7% (95% CI: 34.9%, 75.7%). Developing and pastoralist regions, internally displaced peoples, newly formed regions, and conflict-affected areas had the highest prevalence of zero-dose children. Wealth index (poorest [AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.70, 4.53], poorer [AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.77]), single marital status [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.3], and maternal age (15-24 years) [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.3] were identified as key determinant factors of zero-dose children in the study settings. Additional factors included fewer than four Antenatal care visits (ANC) [AOR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.4], not receiving Postnatal Care (PNC) services [AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.0], unavailability of health facilities within the village [AOR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.6, 5.4], women-headed household [AOR = 1.3; 95% CI:1.02, 1.7], low gender empowerment [AOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.1], and medium gender empowerment [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.5].

CONCLUSION

In the study settings, the prevalence of zero-dose children is very high. Poor economic status, disempowerment of women, being unmarried, young maternal age, and underutilizing antenatal or post-natal services are the important predictors. Therefore, it is recommended to target tailored integrated and context-specific service delivery approach. Moreover, extend immunization sessions opening hours during the evening/weekend in the city administrations to meet parents' needs.

Trends in childhood vaccination in Pakistan and associated factors; 2006-2018

INTRODUCTION

Pakistan still has ongoing transmission of wild type polio virus. This study aims to determine changes in full vaccination with recommended Expanded Program on Immunization vaccines, including polio, by several socio-economic and demographic factors.

METHODS

We used three waves of Pakistan's Demographic and Health Survey, a population-based cross-sectional study from 2006-07 (N = 1471), 2012-13 (N = 1706), and 2017-18 (N = 1549), analyzed by residence, wealth, and sociodemographic factors. Analysis was limited to children aged 12-23 months in Punjab, Sindh, Northwest Frontier Province/Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Full vaccination was measured as receipt of one Bacillus Calmette-Guérin dose, one measles dose, 3 polio doses, and 3 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis doses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) from logistic regression were used to determine associations between undervaccination and demographic variables.

RESULTS

Full vaccination coverage was 50.6 % in 2006-07, 54.7 % in 2012-13, and 68.3 % in 2017-18. In 2006-07, the odds of undervaccination were significantly higher in Sindh (OR: 1.74, 95 % CI: 1.30, 2.31) than Punjab, and disparities across province changed over time (P < 0.0001); notably, undervaccination was significantly higher in Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan than Punjab in 2017. Compared to the middle wealth quintile, the poorest had significantly higher odds of undervaccination in 2006-07 (OR: 2.58, 95 % CI: 1.76, 3.78), and this did not significantly change over time (P = 0.2168). The proportion of those with a polio birth dose increased across waves from 56.3 % in 2006-07 to 83.7 % in 2017-18; receiving three or more polio vaccine doses remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the proportion of fully vaccinated children in Pakistan increased across three waves. Full vaccination and administration of polio vaccine birth doses have increased recently in Pakistan. The association between undervaccination with province differed significantly across the waves, with vaccination disparities between provinces increasing. Those in the poorest wealth quintile had the greatest odds of undervaccination.

Development and feasibility testing of an artificially intelligent chatbot to answer immunization-related queries of caregivers in Pakistan: A mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Gaps in information access impede immunization uptake, especially in low-resource settings where cutting-edge and innovative digital interventions are limited given the digital inequity. Our objective was to develop an Artificially Intelligent (AI) chatbot to respond to caregiver's immunization-related queries in Pakistan and investigate its feasibility and acceptability in a low-resource, low-literacy setting.

METHODS

We developed Bablibot (Babybot), a local language immunization chatbot, using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies with Human in the Loop feature. We evaluated the bot through a sequential mixed-methods study. We enrolled caregivers visiting the 12 selected immunization centers for routine childhood vaccines. Additional caregivers were reached through targeted text message communication. We assessed Bablibot's feasibility and acceptability by tracking user engagement and technological metrics, and through thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 20 caregivers.

FINDINGS

Between March 9, 2020, and April 15, 2021, 2,202 caregivers were enrolled in the study, of which, 677 (30.7%) interacted with Bablibot (users). Bablibot responded to 1,877 messages through 874 conversations. Conversation topics included vaccination due dates (32.4%; 283/874), side-effect management (15.7%;137/874), or delaying vaccination due to child's illness or COVID-lockdown (16.8%;147/874). Over 90% (277/307) of responses to text-based exit surveys indicated satisfaction with Bablibot. Qualitative analysis showed caregivers appreciated Bablibot's usefulness and provided feedback for further improvement of the system.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of local-language NLP chatbots in providing real-time immunization information in low-resource settings. Text-based chatbots canminimize the workload on helpline operators, in addition to instantaneously resolving caregiver queries that otherwise lead to delay or default.

The Last Mile-Community Engagement and Conditional Incentives to Accelerate Polio Eradication in Pakistan: Study Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Trial

Poliomyelitis is a condition of great concern and is endemic in only two countries of the world: Pakistan and Afghanistan. Community mobilization plays a vital role in raising awareness and can help reduce polio vaccine refusals. The objective of this study will be to decrease polio vaccine refusals and zero-dose vaccines by motivating behavior change through the provision of conditional-collective-community-based incentives (C3Is) based on a reduction in polio vaccine refusals. The project will adopt a pretest/post-test quasi-experimental design with two intervention high-risk union councils (HRUCs) and two control union councils (UCs) of peri-urban (Karachi) and rural (Bannu) settings in Pakistan. A participatory community engagement and demand creation strategy with trust-building community mobilization with C3Is, to reduce vaccine refusals and improve polio immunization coverage in two HRUCs, will be used. These UCs will be divided into clusters based on the polio program framework and community groups will be formed in each cluster. These community groups will carry out awareness activities and will be given serial targets to reduce vaccine refusals and those who qualify will be provided C3Is. The project intends to create a replicable model that the government can integrate within health systems for long-term sustainability until the goal of eradication of poliovirus is achieved. The evaluation will be carried out by an independent data collection and analysis team at baseline and endline (after 12 months of intervention). The trial is registered with linicalTrials.gov with number NCT05721274.

Contextual factors influencing incomplete immunization and investigation of its geospatial heterogeneity in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study based on PDHS (2017-18)

BACKGROUND

Immunization is one of the most effective public health initiatives, saving millions of lives and lowering the risk of diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, influenza, and measles. Immunization saves an estimated 2-3 million lives per year. A study of the regional variations in incomplete immunization will be useful in identifying gaps in the performance of immunization programs that are not noticed by standard vaccination programs monitoring. The primary goal of this study was to identify factors influencing child immunization status and to examine regional variations in incomplete immunization among children aged 12 to 23 months in Pakistan.

METHODS

For the current study, the data were taken from the Demographic and Health Survey for Pakistan (PDHS 2017-2018). Ever-married women who had children aged 12-23 months were included in this study. The immunization status of children was used as an outcome variable. In order to determine the effects of different factors on incomplete immunization, multilevel logistic model was used. To study the geographical variation of incomplete immunization, hotspot analysis was done using ArcGIS 10.7 and SaTScan software and to identify significant predictors of incomplete immunization, GWR 4 software was used.

RESULTS

Place of delivery, gender of child, mother's educational level and region were identified as significant determinants of incomplete immunization of children in Pakistan. Chances of incomplete immunization of children were found significantly lower for educated mothers (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.79) and mothers who had delivered children in the health facilities (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.83). Female children were more likely (AOR = 1.44, 1.95% CI 1.04-1.99) to be incompletely immunized as compared to male children. FATA (AOR = 11.19, 95% CI 4.89-25.6), and Balochistan (AOR = 10.94, 95% CI 5.08-23.58) were found at the highest risk of incomplete immunization of children as compared to Punjab. The significant spatial heterogeneity of incomplete immunization was found across Pakistan. The spatial distribution of incomplete immunization was clustered all over Pakistan. The high prevalence of incomplete immunization was observed in Balochistan, South Sindh, North Sindh, South KPK, South FATA, Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu Kashmir, South and East Punjab. Drang and Harcho were identified as hotspot areas of incomplete immunization in Gilgit Baltistan. Secondary clusters with a high risk of incomplete immunization were found in regions Balochistan, Sindh and FATA.

CONCLUSION

Gender biasedness towards female children, regarding complete immunization of children prevailed in Pakistan. Spatial heterogeneity was also found for incomplete immunization of children. To overcome the problem access to health facilities is the foremost step. Government should target hotspot areas of incomplete immunization of children to provide primary health care facilities by opening health care units in these areas. The government in collaboration with the media should launch awareness campaigns in those areas to convince people that complete immunization is the right of every child regardless of gender.

Predictors of timeliness of vaccination among children of age 12-23 months in Boricha district, Sidama region Ethiopia, in 2019

BACKGROUND

Traditional measurement of vaccine coverage can mask the magnitude of timely uptake of vaccine. Hence, the optimal measurement of timeliness is unclear due to variations in vaccine schedule among countries in the world. In Ethiopia, Oral Polio Virus (OPV), Pentavalent, Tetanus, H. influenza type B, Hepatitis B, and Pneumonia-Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) are basic vaccines which are taken at birth, six weeks, ten weeks, and fourteen weeks respectively. Despite its importance, information is scarce about on-time vaccination in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess prevalence and factors associated with on-time vaccination among children of age 12-23 months in Boricha district, Sidama Ethiopia, in 2019.

METHODS

A community based survey was conducted in Boricha district, Sidama region Ethiopia from January 1-30 in 2019. Study participants were selected using stratified multistage sampling technique. Kebeles were stratified based on residence. First, Kebeles were selected using random sampling. Then, systematic random sampling was employed to reach each household. Data were collected using structured and interviewer administered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with timely vaccination. Then, independent variables with p-value < 0.25 in COR were fitted further into multivariate logistic regression analysis model to control the possible cofounders. AOR with 95% CI and p-value < 0.05 was computed and reported as the level of statistical significance.

RESULTS

From a total of 614 study participants, only 609 study participants have responded to questions completely making a response rate of 99.2%. Prevalence of timeliness of vaccination was 26.8% (95% CI: 25, 28) in this study. Factors like children of women with formal education (AOR = 5.3, 95%CI,2.7, 10.4), absence of antenatal care visit (AOR = 4.2,95%CI, 1.8,9.8), home delivery (AOR = 6.2,95%CI,4.0,9.3), lack of postnatal care (AOR = 3.7,95%CI,1.1,13.3), and lack of information about when vaccines completion date (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI,1.13,3.8) were factors influences timely vaccination among children of age 12-23 months.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of on-time vaccination among children of age 12-23 months is lower than national threshold. Therefore, sustained health education on vaccination schedule and reminder strategies should be designed and implemented. Furthermore, maternal and child health care services should be enhanced and coordinated to improve on-time uptake of vaccine.

Determinants of incomplete child vaccination among mothers of children aged 12-23 months in Worebabo district, Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study

In nations like Ethiopia, vaccination rates are low despite being one of the most effective public health treatments to protect infants from common infectious diseases that can be prevented by immunization. In Worebabo District, the reasons of the underutilization of vaccination programs are poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination in the study setting. Community based unmatched case-control study was carried out among 441 mothers of children aged 12-23 months old (147 cases and 294 controls) in Worebabo District, Ethiopia from March 1-April 30, 2020. Using a multistage sampling process, mothers were chosen. Health professionals were trained to collect data using a pre-tested standardized questionnaire. Data entered into Epi Info version 7.2 and put through statistical analysis in SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the odds ratio with a 95%CL. A p-value of under 0.05 was estimated statistically significant. The study found that older moms (>35 years old) were more likely than younger mothers to fail to properly immunize their children (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.09, 5.28). In addition, mothers with incomplete vaccinations had lower knowledge of the benefits of vaccination (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.39), Negative attitudes towards immunization (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI: 2.82, 8.49), less access to prenatal care (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.58, 8.54), home delivery (AOR = 5.47, 95% CI: 2.58)., 11.58), absent home visits (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.69, 7.48), and longer time to reach vaccination site (>1 h) (AOR = 10.07)., 95% CI: 1.75, 57.79) were found associated with mother incomplete vaccination of the child. Mothers being older age, less access to antenatal care services, place of home delivery, longer time to reach vaccination site, negative attitude and poor knowledge towards the benefit of vaccination were associated with mothers' incomplete vaccination of the child. Therefore, health professionals should inform and counsel mothers about the advantages of childhood immunization as well as the consequences of incomplete or not vaccination of children at the time of the facility visit and by community health workers during the routine home visit.

Parental perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs regarding vaccination of children aged 0-5 years: A qualitative study of hill-tribe communities, Thailand

The widespread availability and use of vaccines have tremendously reduced morbidity and deaths related to infectious diseases globally. However, in hill-tribe communities in Northern Thailand, vaccination rates remain low, and there is limited literature on parental perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccination for children under five years of age. We conducted a qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews to understand parents' perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccinations. A purposive sample was used to recruit participants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. 74 hill-tribe parents (14 Akha, 11 Hmong, 12 Lahu, 13 Lisu, 12 Karen, and 12 Yao) were interviewed. Four themes emerged from the interviews: 1) traditional beliefs, and practices 2) traumatic experiences, 3) lack of information and effective communication, and 4) trust and support from the community. Findings highlight that it is crucial to build trust by providing knowledge, appropriate information, and advice about vaccinations in order to improve vaccine coverage in children under five years of age in the hill-tribe context.

Uptake and determinants of childhood vaccination status among children aged 0-12 months in three West African countries

BACKGROUND

Vaccination has long been recognized as one of the most effective ways to reduce child mortality. It has played a significant role, particularly for children, and is considered a major achievement and relevant in preventing childhood diseases worldwide. This study looks at the uptake and determinants of childhood vaccination status among children under the age of one year, for Gambia, Sierra Leon, and Liberia.

METHOD

Data from 2019 to 20 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia were pooled for the analysis used in this study. Data were obtained from a total weighted sample of 5,368 children aged 0-12 months through a stratified two-stage cluster sampling approach. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the predictors of childhood vaccination uptake at 95% confidence interval (CIs) with computed adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

RESULTS

The weighted sample pooled prevalence of full vaccination among children under 12 months of age was 15.1% for males and 15.0% for females. After controlling for confounders in the regression model, factors that were found to be associated with vaccination status include children whose mothers attended postnatal care (PNC) visits had higher odds of being fully vaccinated (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.03-1.46), while children whose fathers had primary education (aOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.48-0.96), children whose households never watched TV (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.56-0.82) and children whose mothers attended 1-3 antenatal care (ANC) visits (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.45-0.79) had lower odds of being fully vaccinated.

CONCLUSION

Childhood vaccination uptake was low among children under 12 months of age in these countries. Hence, there is a need to promote the uptake of vaccination across these three West African countries especially among rural dwellers.

Differential coverage for vaccines in the expanded program on immunization (EPI) among children in rural Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Pakistan has a well-established Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) however vaccine-preventable diseases still account for high infant and child mortality rates. This study describes the differential vaccine coverage and determinants of vaccine uptake in rural Pakistan.

METHODS

From October 2014 to September 2018, we enrolled children younger than 2 years of age from the Matiari Demographic Surveillance System in Sindh, Pakistan. Socio-demographic and vaccination history were collected from all participants. Vaccine coverage rates and timeliness were reported. Socio-demographic variables for missed and untimely vaccination were studied in multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 3140 enrolled children, 48.4 % received all EPI recommended vaccines. Only 21.2 % of these were age appropriate. Around 45.4 % of the children were partially vaccinated, and 6.2 % were unvaccinated. Highest coverage was seen for the first dose of pentavalent (72.8 %), 10-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV10) (70.4 %) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) (69.2 %) and the lowest coverage was for measles (29.3 %) and rotavirus (1.8 %) vaccines. Primary caretakers and wage earners with a higher level of education were protective against missed and untimely vaccination. Enrollment in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th study year was negatively associated with being unvaccinated whereas distance from a major road was positively associated with non-adherence to schedule.

CONCLUSION

Vaccine coverage was low among children in Matiari, Pakistan, and majority received delayed doses. Parents' education status and year of study enrollment was protective against vaccine dropout and delayed vaccination whereas geographical distance from a major road was a predictor. Vaccine promotion and outreach efforts may have had a beneficial impact on vaccine coverage and timeliness.

Inequalities in Childhood Immunisation in South Asia

Identifying the inequalities associated with immunisation coverage among children is crucial. We investigated the factors associated with complete immunisation among 12- to 23-month-old children in five South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, using nationally representative data sets from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Descriptive statistics, bivariate association, and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the prevalence and the factors in each country that affect the likelihood of full childhood immunisation coverage. The complete childhood immunisation coverage varied significantly within each country in South Asia. Afghanistan had the lowest immunisation rates (42.6%), whereas Bangladesh ranked the highest in complete childhood immunisation rates, at 88.2%. Similarly, 77.1% of Indian children, 79.2% of Nepali children, and 62.2% of Pakistani children were completely immunised. Household wealth status strongly correlated with full childhood immunisation in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan at the bivariate level. The results from the logistic regression showed that a higher maternal educational level had a statistically significant association with complete childhood immunisation in all countries compared to mothers who did not attend any school. In conclusion, the study revealed the inequalities of complete childhood immunisation within South Asia. Governments must be proactive in their endeavours to address universal and equitable vaccine coverage in collaboration with national and international stakeholders and in line with the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.

Pneumococcal vaccination coverage and willingness in mainland China

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the coverage and willingness of pneumococcal vaccination and further explore the influencing factors of vaccination willingness among people in mainland China.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted independently by two researchers in English- and Chinese-language databases from database inception to October 6, 2021. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to derive summary vaccination coverage and willingness. Predefined subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

97 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The summary vaccination coverage in 76 included studies was 21.7% (95% CI: 17.2 - 26.5%). Subgroup analysis shows that the summary coverage was 29.0% (95% CI, 20.4 - 39.1%) among permanent residents and 20.7% (95% CI, 12.4 - 35.9%) among floating residents. The eastern and central regions presented higher coverage than the western region. Notable differences were observed between the various study populations. 27 studies provided an estimation of vaccination willingness, with a summary willingness of 51.2% (95% CI, 40.4 - 61.9%). In subgroup analysis the summary willingness was 57.9 % (95% CI, 48.3 - 67.2%) in urban areas and 52.3 % (95% CI, 40.8 - 63.8%) in rural areas. Parents with children and people with a history of pneumonia were more willing to be vaccinated than the elderly. Recommendations by family members and physicians, previous pneumococcal and influenza vaccination, perceived vaccination effectiveness and severity of disease and a history of pneumonia contributed to vaccination willingness.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to global estimates and to other countries, pneumococcal vaccination coverage and willingness are at a lower level in mainland China. Recommendations for vaccination by family members and doctors, a history of vaccination and the perception of pneumonia and vaccination are associated with greater willingness to be vaccinated. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Son preference and sex differentials in receipt of key dimensions of children's healthcare: Evidence from Pakistan

Almost all research on son preference and the consequent sex differentials in child health has focused on India. Pakistan-a country with the second strongest stated desire for sons, no evidence of sex-selective abortion, and relatively high fertility-offers a different context in which to understand unequal health outcomes for boys and girls. I use three rounds of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey to examine sex differentials in child healthcare receipt across different family contexts. I find evidence of generalized discrimination: all girls, regardless of sibling composition or birth order, are less likely to receive full immunization or medical treatment. I do not find evidence that girls with older sisters face greater discrimination than other girls. For boys, I find some evidence of selective preferential treatment: among larger families, first sons are more likely to receive healthcare than other sons or daughters.

A qualitative insight into the perceptions and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Pakistani pharmacists

A qualitative exploration of pharmacists’ perceptions regarding COVID-19 conspiracies and their willingness to get vaccinated. A semi-structured questionnaire guide was developed using ground theory to conduct in-depth interviews. A total of 36 participants gave consent for an audio-recorded interview. Results have shown that most of the respondents believed that SARS-CoV-2 is a natural virus, not man-made, that causes a disease just like other viruses and it is absurd to believe that the vaccine is being used by foreign powers for the implantation of microchips just to control humans. A general opinion thatwhich reflected from the in-depth interview is that the pharmaceutical companies may be hiding some important information on COVID-19 to promote the sale of their product. Some doubts on the reliability and trustworthiness on the COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy data were noticed among the respondents. Factors leading to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were adverse reaction, cost of COVID-19 vaccine, and limited data on safety and efficacy profile of COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health professionals is a major hindrance to our current fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Findings of this study are alarming, and the stakeholders must consider this ongoing vaccination campaign as an opportunity to formulate a mechanism to ensure high vaccination rate among general public and healthcare providers in Pakistan.

KEY POINTS

What was already known?

According to World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine hesitancy is one of the ten major threats to global healthcare system and it is a major barrier to achieve herd immunity around the globe.

Pakistan has begun vaccinating its people in a systematic phase-wise manner under which the healthcare workers and elderly people are prioritized for vaccination.

Previous experience tells us that vaccine hesitancy is a major problem in Pakistan and it is better to understand perceptions of pharmacists about COVID-19 vaccine who are the primary source of information for most of general population.

What this study adds:

This study is first of its kind to explore vaccine hesitancy among Pakistani pharmacists and the results of this study show that majority of the participants were willing to get COVID-19 vaccine and few of them have even got themselves vaccinated at the start of vaccination campaign.

Many among the willing participants considered cost of vaccine, adverse reactions, limited data, safety, and efficacy as major hindrance to their decision to get vaccine.

Few participants were found highly vaccine-hesitant because of their staunch belief in the prevalent myths and rumors about COVID-19 vaccine.

Predictors of Child's Health in Pakistan and the Moderating Role of Birth Spacing

There is a consensus that better health should be viewed both as a means and an end to achieve development. The level of development should be judged by the health status of the population and the fair distribution of health services across the people. Many determinants affect a child's health. This study aimed to explore a child's health predictors and the moderating role of birth spacing on the association between mother's health care services utilization (MHCSU) and a child's health. In this study, we used the dataset of Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 to explore the predictors of child health and the moderating role of birth spacing through binary logistic regression, using SPSS version 20. The results showed an association of mother's age (35 to 49 years), her education (at least secondary), health care services (more accessible), father's education (at least secondary), their wealth status (high), and exposure to mass media to improved child health. However, the effect of a mother's employment status (employed) on her child's health is significant and negative. The coefficient of moderation term indicated that the moderating role of birth spacing on the association between MHCSU and a child's health is positive. We conclude that birth spacing is a strong predictor for improving a child's health. The association between MHCSU and child's health is more distinct and positive when the birth spacing is at least 33 months.

Pakistan Ranks Third Globally With the Most Unvaccinated Children: Is the Impact of Parental Perception and Attitude on Immunization an Essential Contributing Factor to an Unsuccessful Vaccination Coverage?

Introduction

Having the third-highest burden of child mortality and ranking third globally for the most under-vaccinated children, Pakistan contains 15% of its population under the age of five, which accounts for 50% of the mortality rate in this country. Every year, almost three million children miss out on an entire course of the most readily available vaccines, leaving them vulnerable to life-threatening diseases. The Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) was launched in 1978 to protect children from vaccine-preventable childhood diseases. It is the main program through which routine immunization is provided to the public. However, since its inception within Pakistan, it has encountered many problems, including a lack of parental awareness and education. Low literacy rate, socio-economic disparities, cultural and religious beliefs have made parents doubtful about vaccinations. This term is known as vaccine hesitancy. Belief in conspiracy theories has also led to reduced vaccination coverage in Pakistan.

Methods 

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 parents with children under five, chosen from Karachi, Pakistan, through a convenience sampling technique. The data was collected via 300 self-administered or researcher administered questionnaires. Associations were evaluated using the chi-square test with the level of significance taken as p < 0.05 and Cramer's V to determine the strength of these associations. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. 

Results 

Strong associations were found between parental knowledge of immunization, vaccines, and willingness to get their children immunized. Associations were greater and significant in parents with a higher level of education compared to lower. However, lack of knowledge about certain essential vaccines like Pentavalent, Pneumococcal, and IPV was an important aspect to consider. Also, it was noted that their inability to access these free vaccines was due to their own firm beliefs. It was also about the lack of awareness and facilities for a better and beneficial program. 22.3% of parents said that administering multiple vaccines at a time would be harmful to their child, and 21.7% believed it would cause the disease it's supposed to prevent. However, the majority of the parents said they would strongly recommend others to get vaccinated. In this study, religions included and investigated mostly encouraged vaccination to their relatives (p value= 0.079). Occupation and Monthly income had little to no effect on the immunization regime of young children. 

Conclusion

An impact of higher levels of education on the perceptions and attitudes of parents regarding the immunization of children was noted. Consequently, as religion, gender, occupation, and monthly income do not affect parents' perceptions regarding immunizations, the problem lies within their knowledge and understanding of basic medical science and easily communicable diseases. Oblivious to the consequences of contracting a lethal disease, it has developed a laid-back attitude amongst parents. Hence, awareness and education of parents regarding vaccine-preventable diseases by the healthcare system and the governing bodies can lead to a higher successful immunization rate.

Bayesian Analysis of Predictors of Incomplete Vaccination against Polio among Children Aged 12-23 Months in Ethiopia

Background: The re-introduction of polio among children aged 12–23 months is likely to occur in Ethiopia due to the low vaccination rates against poliovirus. The study sought to examine the predictors of incomplete vaccination against polio among children aged 12–23 months in Ethiopia. Methods: The data used were obtained from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. Binary and Bayesian logistic regressions were used for the data analysis, with parameters estimated using classical maximum likelihood and the Bayesian estimation method. Results: The results revealed that 43.7% of the children were not fully vaccinated against polio in Ethiopia. Maternal age, educational level, household wealth index, exposure to mass media, place of residence, presence of nearby healthy facility, counseling on vaccination, and place of delivery were significant determinants of incomplete polio vaccination among children aged between 12 and 23 months in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Considerable numbers of children are not fully vaccinated against polio in Ethiopia. Individual and contextual factors significantly contributed to incomplete polio vaccination among children in the country. Therefore, the government and other stakeholders should pay particular attention to maternal education to increase mothers’ educational level in all regions and give training and counseling in all urban and rural parts of the country on child vaccination to overcome the problem of children’s incomplete polio vaccination and/or vaccination dropout.

Social mobilization campaign to tackle immunization hesitancy in Sargodha and Khushab districts of Pakistan

Background

Immunization hesitancy is a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccination services. If people are not engaged appropriately via communication and social mobilization, doubts about the trade-offs between the benefits and potential side effects persist. The objective of this study was to explore strategies for improved social mobilization to reduce immunization hesitancy.

Methods

Mix of quantitative and qualitative approaches was applied to collect data from a diverse group of respondents in Sargodha and Khushab districts. Quantitative data were collected from 329 community health workers, including vaccinators, lady health workers and lady health supervisors, and school health and nutrition supervisors. In addition, qualitative data were collected from top management of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) through key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with parents. Analysis has been done using SPSS software and detailed transcriptions.

Results

Advocacy meetings with local influencers, community group sessions, door-to-door visits by community health workers and mosque announcements are considered the most relevant and appropriate interventions for social mobilization. Community Health Workers (CHWs), cognizant of local culture, are being trusted, though optimum performance is achievable with adequate redressal of hesitancy concerns. However, in some cases negative attitudes of people towards immunization hinder trust towards mobilizers or CHWs. Hence, they leverage active participation of local influencers, teachers and health department officials to convince such stubborn parents. Active community involvement through leveraging support from local religious and non-religious influencers in social mobilization activities increases its acceptance. Community engagement is most effective in rural and hard-to-reach areas when community health workers are skilled in interpersonal communication and information education communication.

Conclusions

Communication committees as oversight mechanism should be established or reactivated to regularly monitor and support mobilization activities through managing affairs like speedy liaison with local administration and local influencers, mobilizers' service related concerns, community-specific hurdles, and deficiencies of awareness-material provision that eventually improves mobilization performance. Resistant community's needs can be redressed through rigorous conduct of men's and women's education sessions by CHWs while giving more time and space to mobilizers to take on board local religious and non-religious influencers to convince conservative/illiterate parents. Higher management should fix policy implementation slippages like training needs assessment of mobilizers and Civil Society Organizations' involvement framework.

Differential Demographic and Clinical Characteristics between MMR Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Children in South Korea: A Nationwide Study

In the context of recent measles outbreaks, substantial factors associated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) unvaccination need to be clarified. This study aimed to identify differential demographic and clinical characteristics between MMR vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. We used a large-linked database to identify children born between 2008 and 2016 by combining data from the Korea Immunization Registry Information System and National Health Information database. The MMR vaccination status was ascertained up to the age of 2 to define MMR vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify factors associated with MMR unvaccination. Of 3,973,253 children, 75,674 (1.9%) did not receive the MMR vaccine. Compared with the MMR vaccinated group, the underutilization of healthcare resources was more notable in the MMR unvaccinated group (number of outpatient visits (5.73 ± 12.1 vs. 25.8 ± 17.06); days hospitalized (1.69 ± 14.5 vs. 2.32 ± 6.90)). Children were less likely to receive the MMR vaccine if they were born with congenital anomaly (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.90–2.36), were never admitted to an intensive care unit (1.88; 1.78–1.98), or never visited an emergency room (3.57; 3.53–3.72). There were substantial factors associated with MMR unvaccination, underscoring a need to optimize targeted interventions tailored to the subset of children in South Korea.

Associated Factors for Dropout of First Vs Third Doses of Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis (DPT) Vaccination in Nepal

Background

Immunization acts as a key intervention to reduce under-five mortality and morbidity. Despite global progress on vaccination, difficulties in the utilization of this service in developing countries have been observed. According to Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016, only 78% of children received a complete dose of vaccine among which the first-dose receiver of DPT is 98%, whereas only 83% received a third dose. This study aims to explore the influencing factors of DPT vaccination dropout in Nepal.

Methods

The explorative study was done through secondary data analysis of NDHS 2016. The KR file was used for the analysis of information for 2883 children. Factors influencing dropout of DPT vaccination were explored against the independent variables such as external environment, predisposing factors, and enabling resources. All the analyses were weighted before the analysis. The descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. The variables showing collinearity have been removed in the final model.

Results

A higher dropout was reported in Terai (18.9%) and province 2 (22.0%), among uneducated mothers (18.1%) and uneducated fathers (19.4%), less than once a week internet users (22.2%), the nonradio listener (17.4%), who had <4 ANC visits (22.7%), home delivery (19.2%), no advised SBA (19.1%), long distance to health facility (17.9%), no iron supplementation in pregnancy (24.3%), and PNC by TBA/others (21.1%). All these tested relationships were found statistically significant (P value <0.05). The aOR for dropout was found to be 7.94 (4.07–15.51) for mothers with less than 4 or no ANC visit, long distance to health facility 4.68 (1.98–10.67), province 2 3.53 (1.13–11.03), and mother without formal employment 2.33 (1.52–3.55).

Conclusion

Factors related to health services, distance, provinces, and socioeconomic status of the family were influencers for vaccine dropout. Targeted intervention towards disadvantaged regions, counseling the mother during ANC, improving the education status of parents, access to the health facility, and use of mass media for advocacy are hereby recommended.

Factors associated with measles vaccination status in children under the age of three years in a post-soviet context: a cross-sectional study using the DHS VII in Armenia

BACKGROUND

The resurgence of measles globally and the increasing number of unvaccinated clusters call for studies exploring factors that influence measles vaccination uptake. Armenia is a middle-income post-Soviet country with an officially high vaccination coverage. However, concerns about vaccine safety are common. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of measles vaccination coverage in children under three years of age and to identify factors that are associated with measles vaccination in Armenia by using nationally representative data.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis using self-report data from the most recent Armenian Demographic Health Survey (ADHS VII 2015/16) was conducted. Among 588 eligible women with a last-born child aged 12-35 months, 63 women were excluded due to unknown status of measles vaccination, resulting in 525 women included in the final analyses. We used logistic regression models in order to identify factors associated with vaccination status in the final sample. Complex sample analyses were used to account for the study design.

RESULTS

In the studied population 79.6% of the children were vaccinated against measles. After adjusting for potential confounders, regression models showed that the increasing age of the child (AOR 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.12), secondary education of the mothers (AOR 3.38, 95% CI: 1.17-9.76) and attendance at postnatal check-up within two months after birth (AOR 2.71, 95% CI: 1.17-6.30) were significantly associated with the vaccination status of the child.

CONCLUSIONS

The measles vaccination coverage among the children was lower than the recommended percentage. The study confirmed the importance of maternal education and attending postnatal care visits. However, the study also showed that there might be potential risks for future measles outbreaks because of delayed vaccinations and a large group of children with an unknown vaccination status.

Factors contributing to the uptake of childhood vaccination in Galkayo District, Puntland, Somalia

Background

As in many Sub-Saharan African countries, the health system in Somalia is not operating at the capacity needed to lift childhood vaccination coverage to ninety percent or above, as recommended by United Nations Children’s Fund. Current national estimates of coverage for the six major vaccine preventable childhood diseases range from thirty to sixty percent. Infectious disease outbreaks continue to pose significant challenges for the country’s health authorities.

Objective

This important qualitative study, conducted in Galkayo District, Somalia, investigates limiting factors associated with childhood vaccination uptake from the perspective of both communities and health care workers.

Methods

Qualitative information was collected through six focus group discussions with parents (n = 48) and five one-to-one interviews with health workers (n = 15) between March and May 2017, in three settings in the Galkayo District – Galkayo city, Bayra and Bacadwayn.

Results

From a health system perspective, the factors are: awareness raising, hard to reach areas, negative attitudes and perceived knowledge of health workers, inadequate supplies and infrastructure, and missed vaccination opportunities. From the perspective of individuals and communities the factors are: low trust in vaccines, misinterpretation of religious beliefs, vaccine refusals, Somalia’s patriarchal system and rumours and misinformation. Parents mostly received immunization information from social mobilizers and health facilities. Fathers, who are typically family decision-makers, were poorly informed. The findings highlight the need for in-service training to enable health workers to improve communication with parents, particularly fathers, peripheral communities and local religious leaders.

Conclusions

Enhancing knowledge and awareness of vaccination among parents is crucial. Fathers’ involvement is lacking. This may be boosted by highlighting fathers’ obligation to protect their children’s health through vaccination. It is also important that men engage with the wider community in decision-making and advance towards the global vaccination targets.

The trends of socioeconomic inequities in full vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 months from 2000 to 2017: evidence for mitigating disparities in vaccination service in Zhejiang province

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the trends and changes in inequities in the completeness of the primary vaccination (CPV) scheduled before the first year of age among children aged 12-23 months, from 2000 to 2017. Methods: Data were extracted from five rounds of the provincial vaccination coverage survey (PVCS) in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2014 and 2017, respectively. The household income per month was used as an index of socioeconomic status for the inequity analysis. The concentration index (CI) was used to quantify the degree of inequity, and the decomposition approach was applied to quantify the contributions from independent factors to inequity in the CPV. Results: The CPV was significantly improved from 2000 to 2017, with 67.0% for the 2000 PVCS and 86.0% for the 2017 PCVS. The CI value decreased from 0.29839 for the 2000 round to 0.03601 for the 2017 round. The decomposition analysis indicated that independent variables such as birth order, ethnic group, mother's education, maternal employment status, residence, immigration status and the percentage of the total health spending allocated to public health could explain the inequity in the CPV in varying degrees. Conclusions: A sharp reduction in socioeconomic inequity in the CPV was observed from 2000 to 2017. Policy recommendations to reduce the inequality in the CPV should focus on children with the risk factors found in this study, for better outcome in full vaccination and long-lasting herd immunity.

COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on the importance of food safety practices: risks, global recommendations, and perspectives

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is global health and humanitarian emergency. To respond effectively to this pandemic, it is mandatory to reaffirm science in its different fields of study, including the food safety area. Presently, we review food safety in times of COVID-19, exploring whether the virus can be transmitted by food or water; recommendations from regulatory agencies; perceptions of food hygiene practices during the pandemic; and post-pandemic perspectives. The review was based on papers published in Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed, and covered recommendations of public health protection and regulatory agencies around the world. The transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) by food was not confirmed until the present time. In any case, the protocols already established for food safety were reinforced, emphasizing the proper hygiene of hands after shopping, handling food packages, or before manipulating or eating food, adequate social distance, the use of individual protection equipment, the health of employees, and the proper preparation of food. It is hoped, in the post-pandemic scenario, to reach a better understanding of the particularities that led to greater care with food hygiene. Moreover, it is expected that the food system will creatively adapt the way meals are served.

Characterization of immunization secondary analyses using demographic and health surveys (DHS) and multiple indicator cluster surveys (MICS), 2006-2018

BACKGROUND

Infant immunization coverage worldwide has plateaued at about 85%. Using existing survey data to conduct analyses beyond estimating coverage may help immunization programmes better tailor strategies to reach un- and under-immunized children. The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS), routinely conducted in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), collect immunization data, yet vaccination coverage is often the only indicator reported and used. We conducted a review of published immunization-related analyses to characterize and quantify immunization secondary analyses done using DHS and MICS databases.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of the literature, of immunization-related secondary analyses from DHS or MICS published between 2006 and August 2018. We searched 15 electronic databases without language restrictions. For the articles included, relevant information was extracted and analyzed to summarize the characteristics of immunization-related secondary analyses. Results are presented following the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Among 1411 papers identified, 115 met our eligibility criteria; additionally, one article was supplemented by the Pan American Health Organization. The majority were published since 2012 (77.6%), and most (68.9%) had a first or corresponding author affiliated with institutions in high-income countries (as opposed to LMICs where these surveys are conducted). The median delay between survey implementation and publication of the secondary analysis was 5.4 years, with papers with authors affiliated to institutions in LMIC having a longer median publication delay (p < 0.001). Over 80% of the published analyses looked at factors associated with a specific vaccine or with full immunization. Quality proxies, such as reporting percent of immunization data from cards vs recall; occurrence and handling of missing data; whether survey analyses were weighted; and listing of potential biases or limitations of the original survey or analyses, were infrequently mentioned.

CONCLUSION

Our review suggests that more needs to be done to increase the increase the utilization of existing DHS and MICS datasets and improve the quality of the analyses to inform immunization programmes. This would include increasing the proportion of analyses done in LMICs, reducing the time lag between survey implementation and publication of additional analyses, and including more qualitative information about the survey in the publications to better interpret the results.

How do private practitioners in Pakistan manage children suspected having tuberculosis? A cross sectional study

Background

In Pakistan, private providers provide a large portion of health care, including for tuberculosis (TB). All TB patients are supposed to be reported to the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), which provides drugs free of charge in addition to monitoring, supervision, and support. However, diagnosis of TB in children is difficult. We aimed to assess the private health care providers’ investigation practices and management of childhood TB.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional study, which was based on a national survey measuring under-reporting of children with TB in 12 selected districts in Pakistan from April–June, 2016. We explored the practices of the private health care providers, including the health care workers i.e. general practitioners, pediatricians, pulmonologists and chest specialists, who were involved in the diagnosis of TB in children under 15 years for investigating and managing children suspected having TB.

Results

Among 6519 presumptive child TB cases, a total of 5193(79.7%) children under 15 years were diagnosed as TB by private health care providers during second quarter, 2016. Only 187(2.9%) were notified to NTP. The majority of presumptive child TB cases reported cough, fever, and failure to thrive; few had TB contacts with pulmonary TB patients. Failure to thrive, loss of body weight and absence of BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) scar was more common in female children. Private providers relied on chest X-ray in 46.1%, while tuberculin skin test and Gene-Xpert MTB/RIF testing was little utilized. Bacteriological confirmation was present in 7.6%, and clinical assessment was the only basis for diagnosis in 39.3%. Of children with presumptive TB, only 955(14.6%) children were treated by private provider, while 3121(47.9%) cases were referred for diagnosis and 2443(37.5%) were referred after diagnosis for treatment; among all the referred, 3812(68.5%) were sent for investigations to District TB Centre (NTP).

Conclusion

This study showed that many private providers referred children suspected having TB to laboratories for further diagnosis, but the cases identified in these investigations were often not notified to the NTP. This problem could be resolved by strengthening the referral linkages between private health providers, NTP laboratories and treatment centres through capacity building and training of their staff.

ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS AND A SCHEDULE FOR ACCESS TO VACCINATION FROM USERS’ PERSPECTIVE

ABSTRACT Objective to understand access to vaccination and its organizational aspects in the daily routine of Primary Health Care from users’s point of view. Method a holistic-qualitative multiple case study based on Comprehensive Sociology of Everyday Life, with 74 users from four sanitary microregions of the West Minas Gerais Extended Health Region, Brazil. As evidence data sources, we used the open and intensive individual interview, guided by a semi-structured script and technical visit to the vaccine rooms. Data were collected between June 2016 and April 2017. Data analysis was based on thematic content analysis. Results proved to be obstacles that compromise access to immunization services such as: the establishment of specific days for the performance of certain vaccines; the opening hours of vaccine rooms; lack of immunobiological; lack of guidance on the part of health professionals. It was evidenced that direct contact and insertion of users in other actions and services of the unit favor access to vaccination. A schedule for better access was suggested by users, who recommended: the reorganization of the days and times available for vaccination; vaccine card computerization; implementation of dissemination strategies to expand search for immunization; vaccination room structural adequacy; expansion of human resources in health units. Conclusion it is emphasized the importance of services identifying their weaknesses and adopting strategies that enable user-centered care, promoting access to health services and, consequently, immunization.

Covering the last mile for vaccination: Feasibility and acceptability of traditional birth attendant-based referral system in hard-to-reach areas in rural Pakistan

Background

Pakistan has a decent network of community-based workers including lady health workers (LHWs) and vaccinators. However, a major section of the population is not covered by LHWs/vaccinators, labeled here as hard-to-reach (HTR) areas, where immunization coverage is also considerably low. This study explored the feasibility of engagement of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to improve EPI vaccination coverage in HTR areas in rural Sindh, Pakistan.

Methods

This implementation research was conducted in two sub-districts of Sukkur (a district in Sindh Province). In an HTR selected intervention arm, TBAs were trained for vaccination and monetary incentives were provided to counsel and refer mothers for vaccination. While LHWs covered areas in the adjacent sub-district were provided with refresher training for vaccination only without any monetary incentive, and were considered as control arm. Considering the inherent differences in intervention and comparison group (HTR intervention area being worse regarding infrastructure and access), between groups and within group change in knowledge of TBA/LHWs and vaccination coverage was assessed before and after the intervention. Furthermore, focus group discussions were conducted with vaccinators, TBAs and LHWs and in-depth interviews with supervisors of vaccinators.

Results

TBAs and LHWs' vaccine related knowledge increased significantly after training (pretest vs post test score: 10.5 to 15.4). The BCG coverage improved 74.1% (percentage change) in TBA arm. While completion of vaccination (ie, Penta-3 coverage) increased by 147% from baseline following the intervention. The TBAs, LHWs, vaccinators and their supervisors all welcomed the initiative and considered it as a feasible option.

Conclusions

Involvement of TBAs' to form a referral system has potential to improve vaccine coverage and completion in HTR areas in Pakistan. The system is acceptable to the population and implementation is feasible due to availability of TBAs. However, in order to sustain the initiative minimal incentive need to be provided to TBAs to improve the vaccination coverage. Compared to establishing the infrastructure in HTR the intervention seems less costly however, it requires formal cost-effective or cost-benefit analysis.

Prevalence and determinants of incomplete or not at all vaccination among children aged 12-36 months in Dabat and Gondar districts, northwest of Ethiopia: findings from the primary health care project

OBJECTIVE

Ethiopia is one of the Africa's signatory countries for implementation of the primary healthcare strategy including immunisation. In Ethiopia, however, 16% of child death is due to vaccine-preventable disease. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of incomplete or not at all vaccination among children aged 12-36 months in Dabat and Gondar districts, Northwest Ethiopia.

STUDY DESIGN

The study is community-based cross-sectional study.

STUDY SETTING

Dabat and Gondar Zuria districts, Northwest Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

Mothers/caregivers with children aged 12-36 months were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly selected through systematic sampling and a total of 603 participants were included in the analysis.

METHODS

A binary logistic regression analysis was done. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, a p value of <0.05 and adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI were used to identify statistically associated factors with incomplete or not at all vaccination.

OUTCOMES

Incomplete or not at all vaccination.

RESULTS

The prevalence of incomplete or not at all vaccinated children was 23.10% (95% CI 16.50 to 29.70). The multivariable analysis revealed that the odds of incomplete or not at all vaccination were higher among mothers who had no antenatal care (ANC) visit (AOR: 1.81, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.03) and no postnatal care (PNC) visit (AOR=1.52, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.25).

CONCLUSIONS

In the study area, nearly one-fourth of children are incompletely or not at all vaccinated. Our finding suggests that ANC and PNC visits are key determinants of incomplete or not at all vaccination. Thus, in low-resource settings like Ethiopia, the health system approaches to improved ANC and PNC services should be intensified with more effective advice on child immunisation to reduce vaccine preventable disease.

Vaccination assessments using the Demographic and Health Survey, 2005-2018: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To characterise studies which have used Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) datasets to evaluate vaccination status.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases including PubMed, EBSCOhost and POPLINE, from 2005 to 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

All English studies with vaccination status as the outcome and the use of DHS data.

DATA EXTRACTION

Studies were selected using a predetermined list of eligibility criteria and data were extracted independently by two authors. Data related to the study population, the outcome of interest (vaccination) and commonly seen predictors were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 125 articles were identified for inclusion in the review. The number of countries covered by individual studies varied widely (1-86), with the most published papers using data from India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Ethiopia. Many different definitions of full vaccination were used although the majority used a traditional schedule recommended in the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunisation. We found studies analysed a wide variety of predictors, but the most common were maternal education, wealth, urbanicity and child's sex. Most commonly reported predictors had consistent relationships with the vaccination outcome, outside of sibling composition.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers make frequent use of the DHS dataset to describe vaccination patterns within one or more countries. A clearer idea of past use of DHS can inform the development of more rigorous studies in the future. Researchers should carefully consider whether a variable needs to be included in the multivariable model, or if there are mediating relationships across predictor variables.

Predictors of immunization coverage among 12-23 month old children in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Immunization is one of modern medicine's greatest achievements in the last three decades. Annually it can prevent nearly 2 to 3 million deaths. Understanding the determinants of effective immunization coverage is a critical undertaking. Accordingly, we set out to check the best available evidence of outstanding predictors of immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months in Ethiopia.

METHOD

Electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, and SCOPUS, Web of Science, African Journals Online, Ethiopian Medical Journals were searched. The search process, study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers using Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-analysis for Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). The difference between reviewers was resolved with a third person. The risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa Tool for observational studies. Data were extracted using the Microsoft Excel checklist and exported to STATA 13. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2, Funnel plot and Egger's test was used to check for publication bias.

RESULTS

We identified 26 studies with 15,042 children with mothers/caretakers to assess factors associated with immunization coverage and significant factors were: maternal formal education, (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.62-3.72), paternal formal education, (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.27-3.77), residence, (OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.00-4.45), birth at health facility (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 0.99-3.49), family size less than four, (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.16-2.84), knowledge on age of immunization to be completed (OR = 6.18;95% CI: 3.07-12.43), knowledge on immunization schedule (OR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.35-4.59), time to travel to health faculties, (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 0.62-4.89), antennal care, (OR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.64-5.88), and tetanus toxoid vaccination, (OR = 4.82; 95% CI: 2.99-7.75).

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that literacy, residence, awareness, family size, maternal health services use, and proximity of the health facilities were factors associated with full immunization. This implies that there is a need for primary health service expansion and health education to "hard to reach areas" to improve immunization coverage for children aged 12-23 months.

Spatial distribution of incomplete immunization among under-five children in Ethiopia: evidence from 2005, 2011, and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and health survey data

BACKGROUND

An estimate of 2-3 million children under 5 die in the world annually due to vaccine-preventable disease. In Ethiopia, incomplete immunization accounts for nearly 16% of under-five mortality, and there is spatial variation for vaccination of children in Ethiopia. Spatial variation of vaccination can create hotspot of under vaccination and delay control and elimination of vaccine preventable disease. Thus, this study aims to assess the spatial distribution of incomplete immunization among children in Ethiopia from the three consecutive Ethiopia demographic and health survey data.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was employed from Ethiopia demographic and health survey (2005, 2011and 2016) data. In total, 7901mothers who have children aged (12-35) months were included in this study. ArcGIS 10.5 Software was used for global and local statistics analysis and mapping. In addition, a Bernoulli model was used to analyze the purely spatial cluster detection of incomplete immunization. GWR version 4 Software was used to model spatial relationships.

RESULT

The proportion of incomplete immunization was 74.6% in 2005, 71.4% in 2011, and 55.1% in 2016. The spatial distribution of incomplete immunization was clustered in all the study periods (2005, 2011, and 2016) with global Moran's I of 0.3629, 1.0700, and 0.8796 respectively. Getis-Ord analysis pointed out high-risk regions for incomplete immunization: In 2005, hot spot (high risk) regions were detected in Kefa, Gamogofa, KembataTemibaro, and Hadya zones of SNNPR region, Jimma zone of Oromiya region. Similarly, Kefa, Gamogofa, Kembatatemibaro, Dawuro, and Hadya zones of SNNPR region; Jimma and West Arsi zones of Oromiya region were hot spot regions. In 2016, Afder, Gode, Korahe, Warder Zones of Somali region were hot spot regions. Geographically weighted regression identified different significant variables; being not educated and poor wealth index were the two common for incomplete immunization in different parts of the country in all the three surveys.

CONCLUSION

Incomplete immunization was reduced overtime across the study periods. The spatial distribution of incomplete immunization was clustered and High-risk areas were identified in all the study periods. Predictors of incomplete immunization were identified in the three consecutive surveys.

Threat of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Pakistan: The Need for Measures to Neutralize Misleading Narratives

Immediately after declaring COVID-19 as a pandemic, numerous wild conspiracy theories sprouted through social media. Pakistan is quite vulnerable to such conspiracy narratives and has experienced failures of polio vaccination programs because of such claims. Recently, two well-known political figures raised conspiracy theories against COVID-19 vaccines in Pakistan, stating that COVID-19 is a grand illusion and a conspiracy against Muslim countries. This theory is much discussed in the local community, supporting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We urge healthcare authorities in Pakistan to take necessary measures against such claims before they penetrate to the general community. Anti-vaccine movements could undermine efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that ethical and responsible behavior of mass media, a careful advisory from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, stern measures from healthcare authorities, effective maneuvers to increase public awareness on COVID-19, vigorous analysis of information by data or communications scientists, and publication of counter opinions from health professionals against such theories will go a long way in neutralizing such misleading claims. Because Pakistan is experiencing a large burden of disease, with a sharp rise in confirmed cases, immediate action is of paramount importance to eradicate any potential barriers to a future COVID-19 vaccination program.

The Resurgence of Measles Infection and its Associated Complications in Early Childhood at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan

Measles infection is of substantial interest to immunologists due to its paradoxical interaction with the immune system. After the acquisition of the measles infection, secondary infection plays a pivotal role in measles-related deaths. A cross-sectional study conducted between December 2018 and July 2019 is presented here. A total of one hundred children of both genders presented with measles complications were included following WHO criteria. Measles confirmation was done by quantitative determination of anti-measles antibodies (IgM) in patients’ sera while patient-related demographic data, vaccination status, and other clinical information were obtained on a separate form. The number of female patients (52%) slightly exceeded the number of males (48%). 43% of patients’ parents were illiterate, and half of the patients (50%) were from a poor background. The majority of children (76%) who presented with the complications did not receive a measles vaccine. 56% of children were breastfed while 58% received vitamin A supplements but developed complications. The elevated levels of anti-measles IgM were observed in 77% of cases. In both genders, the major complications were pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), acute diarrhea, diarrhea and LRTI, pneumonia and diarrhea, otitis media and pneumonia, myocarditis and LRTI, and pneumothorax. The majority of the infected children (n = 48) under 12 months of age had associated complications. It has been observed that the measles virus strikes early age children in the northwestern region of Pakistan, which is an alarming situation and is associated with the aforementioned complications, especially in unvaccinated children. Anti-measles IgM is an important serological parameter for early diagnosis of measles infection.

Complete vaccination service utilization inequalities among children aged 12-23 months in Ethiopia: a multivariate decomposition analyses

BACKGROUND

Although World Health Organization works to make vaccination service available to everyone everywhere by 2030, majority of the world's children have been unvaccinated and unprotected from vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, evidences on factors contributing to changes in vaccination coverage across residential areas, wealth categories and over time have not been adequate. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating inequalities in vaccination status of children aged 12-23 months owing to variations in wealth status, residential areas and over time.

METHODS

Maternal and child health service data were extracted from the 2011 and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey datasets. Then, multivariate decomposition analysis was done to identify the major factors contributing to differences in the rate of vaccination utilization across residences and time variations. Similarly, a concentration index and curve were also done to identify the concentration of child vaccination status across wealth categories.

RESULTS

Among children aged 12-23 months, the prevalence of complete childhood vaccination status increased from 20.7% in rural to 49.2% in urban in 2011 and from 31.7% in rural to 66.8% in urban residences in 2016. The decomposition analyses indicated that 72% in 2011 and 70.5% in 2016 of the overall difference in vaccination status was due to differences in respondent characteristics. Of the changes due to the composition of respondent characteristics, such as antenatal care and place of delivery were the major contributors to the increase in complete childhood vaccination in 2011, while respondent characteristics such as wealth index, place of delivery and media exposure were the major contributors to the increase in 2016. Of the changes due to differences in coefficients, those of low wealth status in 2016 across residences significantly contributed to the differences in complete childhood vaccination. On top of that, from 2011 to 2016, there was a significant increment in complete childhood vaccination status and a 59.8% of the overall increment between the surveys was explained by the difference in composition of respondents. With regard to the change in composition, the differences in composition of ANC visit, wealth status, place of delivery, residence, maternal education and media exposure across the surveys were significant predictors for the increase in complete child vaccination over time. On the other hand, the wealth-related inequalities in the utilization of childhood vaccination status were the pro-rich distribution of health services with a concentration index of CI = 0.2479 (P-value < 0.0001) in 2011 and [CI = 0.1987; P-value < 0.0001] in 2016.

CONCLUSION

A significant rural-urban differentials was observed in the probability of a child receiving the required childhood vaccines. Children in urban households were specifically more likely to have completed the required number of vaccines compared to the rural areas in both surveys. The effect of household wealth status on the probability of a child receiving the required number of vaccines are similar in the 2011 and 2016 surveys, and the vaccination status was high in households with high wealth status. The health policies aimed at reducing wealth related inequalities in childhood vaccination in Ethiopia need to adjust focus and increasingly target vulnerable children in rural areas. It is of great value to policy-makers to understand and design a compensation mechanism for the costs incurred by poor households. Special attention should also be given to rural communities through improving their access to the media. The findings highlight the importance of women empowerment, for example, through education to enhance childhood vaccination services in Ethiopia.

Role of Maternal Education and Vaccination Coverage: Evidence From Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of maternal education on child immunization uptake in Pakistan, both at individual and community levels. Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey data were used for analysis. Multilevel logistic regression was used to access the individual- and community-level factors associated with childhood immunization coverage. Out of 6765 children 2659 (39.3%) were fully immunized. Parents education, access to media, and wealth status have positive while ethnicity and working status of mother have a negative impact on the immunization uptake. In the community with a high percentage of educated mothers, the odds of immunized children were high (odds ratio = 1.43, 95% confidence interval = 1.14-1.80) as compared with communities with lower percentage of educated mothers. Moreover, significant variation was found in the likelihood of full immunization across communities. Both community- and individual-level factors have substantial impact on children immunization status. There is a need of improvement in maternal education, poverty alleviation, and removal of rural-urban disparities.

Factors associated with the uptake of newly introduced childhood vaccinations in Ethiopia: the cases of rotavirus and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines

Background

Childhood immunization programmes have made substantial contributions to lowering the burden of disease among children in developing countries, however a large proportion of children still remain unimmunized. This study aimed to explore the determinants of rotavirus vaccine (RVV) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) uptake in Ethiopia.

Methods

The 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey dataset was used in this analysis. A total of 2004 children aged 12–23 months were included in the analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was employed to identify the determinants of uptake of the complete schedules of RVV (two doses) and PCV (three doses). Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

The uptakes of the complete schedules of RVV and PCV among children aged 12–23 months were 56 and 49.1%, respectively. The likelihood of immunization with the complete schedule of RVV was significantly lower among children from the relatively poor Afar region in Ethiopia (AOR 0.16; 95%-CI 0.04–0.61). Similarly, children living in not only the Afar region (AOR 0.10; 95%-CI 0.03–0.38), but also the Gambela region (AOR 0.25; 95%-CI 0.08–0.83), were less likely to be vaccinated with PCV. On the other hand, children from more wealthy households had higher odds of vaccination with RVV (AOR 1.69; 95%-CI 1.04–2.75). Also attending antenatal care (ANC) was found to be significantly associated with uptake of the complete schedule of RVV and PCV.

Conclusions

The uptake of RVV and PCV is suboptimal in Ethiopia. The uptake of the vaccines were found to be associated with region, ANC use and wealth status.

Decomposing socioeconomic inequality in child vaccination in the Gambia, the Kyrgyz Republic and Namibia

Extant work suggested pro-rich distribution of vaccination coverage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the current literature also suggested pro-poor distribution of vaccination in some countries, including the Gambia, the Kyrgyz Republic and Namibia. This study aimed to explain socioeconomic inequalities in the completion rate of the four-core vaccines (i.e., Bacille Calmette-Guérin [BCG], diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis [DTP, 3 doses], Polio [3 doses] and Measles vaccines) in the three aforementioned countries. We used the most recent available Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) to measure vaccination completion rates among children (aged 0-59 months, n = 16,752) in the three countries. The normalized concentration index (C_n) was used to quantify and decompose socioeconomic inequalities in vaccination coverage in each country. The negative values of the C_n index suggested that children belong to lower socioeconomic status groups were more likely to be immunized than their higher socioeconomic status counterparts in the Gambia (C_n = -0.101, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.128 to -0.074), the Kyrgyz Republic (C_n = -0.097, 95% CI: -0.13 to -0.063) and Namibia (C_n = -0.161, 95% CI: -0.199 to -0.124). The decomposition analysis of the C_n suggested that the difference in child vaccination completion rates between rural and urban areas was the main factor contributing to the concentration of child vaccination among the poor in the Gambia and Namibia. The concentration of child vaccination among the poor in the Kyrgyz Republic was chiefly determined by household wealth. These results suggest that there should be strategies to improve child immunization uptake among urban children in the Gambia and Namibia. Since household wealth was the main factor contributing to the observed pro-poor distribution of child vaccination in the Kyrgyz Republic, further studies are required to understand the reasons for lower vaccination rate among the wealthy children in order to implement the most effective strategies to increase child vaccination uptake.

Sociodemographic and health care factors in determining immunization defaulters among preschool children in Petaling District, Selangor: a cross-sectional study in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Immunization is an effective public health intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality among children and it will become more effective if the child can receive the full course of recommended immunization doses. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of childhood immunization defaulters and its associated factors among children below 5 years attending registered child care centers in Petaling District, Selangor.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey among mothers with children below 5 years from 60 registered child care centers in District of Petaling, Selangor. Data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire from a total of 1015 mothers. Simple Logistic Regression, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test were performed to determine the association between individual categorical variables and childhood immunization defaulters. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of childhood immunization defaulters.

RESULTS

The study showed that the prevalence rate for defaulting immunization was 20.7%. After adjusting all confounders, six statistically significant predictors of childhood immunization defaulters were determined. They were non-Muslims (aOR = 1.669, 95% CI = 1.173, 2.377, p = 0.004), mothers with diploma and below educational background (aOR = 2.296, 95% CI = 1.460, 3.610, p < 0.0001), multiple children of 5 and above in a family (aOR = 2.656, 95% CI = 1.004, 7.029, p = 0.040), mothers with younger children aged 2 years and below (aOR = 1.700, 95% CI = 1.163, 2.486, p = 0.006), long travelling time of more than 30 min to the immunization health facility (aOR = 2.303, 95% CI = 1.474, 3.599, p < 0.0001) and had delayed at least one of the immunization schedule (aOR = 2.747, 95% CI = 1.918, 3.933, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need of implementation of intervention programs should be intensified to improve the childhood immunization status, focusing on the Non-Muslim community, mothers with low educational level, mothers with multiple children and mothers with children aged 2 years and below. In light of the growing problem of immunization defaulters in Malaysian children, identifying mothers at risk of not completing their children immunization schedule and educating them is an important strategy to recurrent outbreaks of infectious disease in the country.

Factors associated with completion of childhood immunization in Malawi: a multilevel analysis of the 2015-16 Malawi demographic and health survey

BACKGROUND

Between 2010 and 2015, the percentage of children 12-23 months of age who received full immunization in Malawi decreased from 81% to 76%, prompting us to investigate the factors associated with completion of childhood immunization in Malawi.

METHODS

Using data from the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey, generalized linear mixed models were applied on 3145 children 12-23 months of age nested within 850 communities. Complete immunization was defined as the child having received a Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, three doses of pentavalent vaccine, four doses of oral polio vaccine, three doses of pneumococcal vaccine, two doses of rotavirus vaccine and one dose of measles vaccine before their first birthday.

RESULTS

Adjusted multilevel regression showed that children born to mothers with either none or one antenatal care visit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.56 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.32 to 0.93]) and whose mothers had no card or no longer had a vaccination card (aOR 0.06 [95% CI 0.04 to 0.07]) were less likely to receive complete immunization. In addition, children from the poorest households (aOR 0.60 [95% CI 0.40 to 0.92]) and who resided in communities with a medium (aOR 0.73 [95% CI 0.53 to 0.98]) or high percentage (aOR 0.73 [95% CI 0.53 to 0.99]) of households that perceived the distance to the nearest health facility as a big problem had reduced odds of achieving complete immunization. Furthermore, the findings showed evidence of clustering effects of childhood complete immunization at the community level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that a series of sociodemographic, health and contextual factors are associated with the completion of childhood vaccination. Therefore interventions that aim at increasing the completion of childhood immunization in Malawi should not only address individual needs, but should also consider contextual factors and the communities addressed in this study.

Development and Validation of Parental Vaccine Attitudes Scale for Use in Low-income Setting

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to develop a tool and assess its validity to measure childhood vaccine related attitudes among parents in a low-income setting.

METHODS

We developed a vaccine attitudes scale (VAS) composed of 14 Likert items each with 5 responses ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree (sum of scores range 14-70). The tool was administered to 901 parents with children 4-12 months of age during a vaccine coverage survey in Sindh, Pakistan. We performed factor analysis with eigenvalues >0.3 for sufficient factor loading and calculated Cronbach alpha for reliability.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD score on VAS was 48 ± 3 and Cronbach alpha was 0.61. Factor analysis identified that VAS measured 2 different domains related to the childhood vaccine related attitudes; (1) 10 items related to vaccine perceptions and concerns (mean 40 ± 5.5; Cronbach alpha 0.95) and (2) 4 items related to vaccine preventable disease salience and community benefit (mean 7 ± 3; Cronbach alpha 0.97). The odds of children being unimmunized was 5 times higher among parents who scored high (13-20) as compared with low (<13) on the subscale related to disease salience and community benefit (odds ratio 5.2; 95% CI: 3.6-7.6). The odds of children being unimmunized was 1.5 times higher among parents scoring high (40-50) as compared with low (<40) on subscale related to vaccine perception/concerns (odds ratio 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.2).

CONCLUSION

The 4-item scale assessing parental attitudes toward vaccine preventable disease salience and community benefit is sufficiently reliable and can predict vaccine acceptance among parents in low income setting.

Factors affecting complete and timely childhood immunization coverage in Sindh, Pakistan; A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data

BACKGROUND

Pakistan has a high burden of newborn mortality, which would be significantly preventable through appropriate routine immunization. The purpose of this study was to measure the basic timely childhood immunization coverage and to identify determinants of factors influencing childhood immunization coverage in Sindh, Pakistan.

METHODS

Data from Maternal and Child Health Program Indicator Survey 2013-2014 which was conducted in Sindh province of Pakistan was used. Outcome measure was full coverage of the basic immunization schedule from child's vaccination card. The association of receiving basic immunization with demographic factors, socioeconomic status, mother and child health information sources, and perinatal care factors were tested by binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 2,253 children, 1,156 (51.3%) received age-based full basic immunization. The basic immunization rates were 69.1% for under five weeks old, 38.3% for six to nine weeks, 18.8% for 10-13 weeks, 44.0% for 14 weeks-eight months, 60.4% for nine to 11 months, and 59.1% for over one year. Child's age, number of living children, parents' education level, wealth, the source of mother and child health information, number of antenatal care, and assistance during delivery were associated with completing basic immunization.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall full basic immunization coverage in Pakistan was still low. Policy makers should identify children at risk of low immunization coverage and obstacles of receiving antenatal care, implement educational interventions targeting on less educated parents, and conduct mass immunization campaigns for timely and complete immunization.

Routine immunization in Pakistan: comparison of multiple data sources and identification of factors associated with vaccination

Background

Within Pakistan, estimates of vaccination coverage with the pentavalent vaccine, oral polio vaccine (OPV) and measles vaccine (MV) in 2011 were reported to be 74%, 75% and 53%, respectively. These national estimates may mask regional variation. The reasons for this variation have not been explored.

Methods

Data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) for Balochistan and Punjab (2010-2011) are analysed to examine factors associated with receiving three or more doses of the pentavalent vaccine and one or more MVs using regression modelling. Pentavalent and OPV estimates from the MICS were compared to vaccine dose histories from surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP; poliomyelitis) to ascertain agreement.

Results

Adjusted coverage of children 12-23 months of age were estimated to be 16.0%, 75.5% and 34.2% in Balochistan and 58.0%, 87.7% and 72.6% in Punjab for the pentavalent vaccine, OPV and MV, respectively. Maternal education, healthcare utilization and wealth were associated with receiving the pentavalent vaccine and the MV. There was a strong correlation of district estimates of vaccination coverage between AFP and MICS data, but AFP estimates of pentavalent coverage in Punjab were biased toward higher values.

Conclusions

National estimates mask variation and estimates from individual surveys should be considered alongside other estimates. The development of strategies targeted towards poorly educated parents within low-wealth quintiles that may not typically access healthcare could improve vaccination rates.