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Factors predicting the non-utilisation of immunisation services using logistic regression technique
C L Anandhi1, V K Nagaraj, K R Sundaram
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.
Insights
Illiterate mothers and long distances to healthcare facilities are key predictors of missed childhood immunizations. Identifying these barriers helps target interventions to improve vaccination coverage.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Child Health
Background:
- Immunization is crucial for child survival and preventing infectious diseases.
- Understanding factors influencing immunization non-utilization is vital for public health strategies.
- Previous studies have explored various socioeconomic and demographic determinants of vaccine uptake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify independent predictors of non-utilization of immunization services in children aged 12-23 months.
- To analyze the association between maternal literacy, healthcare access, and child immunization status.
- To inform targeted interventions for improving immunization coverage.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 200 children aged 12-23 months.
- Data collection using a pretested interview schedule.
- Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 56% of the children studied were fully immunized.
- Maternal illiteracy (p < 0.05) and poor access to health facilities (> 3 km) (p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of non-utilization.
- Child's sex, parity, and socioeconomic status did not show independent predictive power.
Conclusions:
- Maternal education and proximity to healthcare facilities are critical factors in childhood immunization.
- Targeted efforts focusing on illiterate mothers and improving access in remote areas can address immunization gaps.
- Identifying and addressing these specific barriers can help reach underserved populations and improve overall vaccination rates.
Abstract:
A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the variables which have an individual predictive power on nonutilization of immunisation services using logistic regression model. Children between 12 and 23 months of age were assessed and enrolled using a pretested interview schedule. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis using Chi Square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 200 children studied 56% were fully immunised. Only illiterate mothers (p < 0.05) and poor access (> 3 km) to health facility (p < 0.001) were found to have an independent predictive power on the nonutilization of immunisation services. Sex of the child, parity levels, socioeconomic status did not independently influence the utilisation pattern. It is possible to identify these still existing small pockets of nonusers of immunisation services through the predictive variables and target them through special efforts.