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Immunization coverage among children born between 1989 and 1994 in Saladdin Governorate, Iraq
O G al-Sheikh1, J I al-Samarrai, M M al-Sumaidaie
1Department of Community Medicine, Tikrit University College of Medicine, Iraq.
Insights
Childhood vaccination coverage significantly declined between 1989 and 1994, with unawareness being the primary cause of incomplete immunization in both urban and rural areas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood immunization is crucial for preventing infectious diseases.
- Assessing vaccination coverage and identifying barriers is essential for public health interventions.
- Declining immunization rates pose a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vaccination coverage rates in children aged 0-2 years.
- To identify the underlying causes of incomplete immunization.
- To compare immunization rates between urban and rural settings.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 662 children born between 1989 and 1994.
- Children were categorized into urban (Tikrit city) and rural groups.
- Vaccination coverage for BCG, DPT-OPV, measles, MMR, and boosters was assessed.
Main Results:
- Coverage rates for all vaccines were higher in Tikrit city compared to rural areas.
- Significant disparities existed, with rural coverage rates substantially lower.
- Unawareness and ignorance were identified as the main reasons for incomplete immunization.
- A decline in complete immunization was observed from 1989 to 1994 in both settings.
Conclusions:
- Childhood vaccination coverage decreased between 1989 and 1994.
- Public awareness campaigns are needed to address ignorance and improve immunization rates.
- Targeted interventions are required to improve vaccination coverage in rural areas.
Abstract:
We assessed vaccination coverage rates among children born between 1989 and 1994 (0-2 years of age) and tried to find the underlying causes of incomplete immunization. Of 662 children surveyed, 326 were from Tikrit city (urban) and 336 were from three rural villages. The coverage rates for BCG, DPT-OPV (first dose), DPT-OPV (second dose), DPT-OPV (third dose), measles, MMR, and DPT-OPV (first booster) were 97%, 97%, 94%, 92%, 83%, 70% and 59% respectively in Tikrit city; in rural areas they were 92%, 65%, 57%, 41%, 42%, 32%, and 25% respectively. The most common causes of incomplete immunization were unawareness and ignorance for both urban and rural areas. The percentage of children completely immunized declined between 1989 and 1994, both in urban and rural areas.