Factors responsible for delayed immunisation among children under 5 years of age

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Published on: May 12, 2023

S N Ughade1, S P Zodpey, S G Deshpande

  • 1Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur.

Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|October 4, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Delayed childhood immunisation is linked to larger family size, fewer parental education years, and greater distance from health facilities. Addressing these factors can improve timely vaccination rates for children.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood immunisation is crucial for disease prevention.
  • Despite improvements, a significant number of children experience delayed vaccinations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with delayed primary immunisation in children.
  • To understand the parental reasons behind delayed vaccination schedules.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based, pair-matched case-control study was conducted.
  • 139 children with >90 days delay in immunisation were compared to 139 timely vaccinated children.
  • Statistical analysis included calculating Odd's Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).

Main Results:

  • Significant risk factors for delayed immunisation included larger family size (OR=7.3), more children under 5 (OR=3.17), male sex (OR=3), lower paternal (OR=3.7) and maternal education (OR=4), lower socio-economic status (OR=3.7), and greater distance from health centres (OR=4.7).
  • Parental negligence (56%) and unawareness (22.7%) were primary reasons for delays.

Conclusions:

  • Family size, parental education, socio-economic status, and proximity to healthcare facilities are key determinants of timely childhood immunisation.
  • Targeting these identified risk factors and improving parental awareness are essential strategies to reduce delayed immunisation rates.

Keywords:
Age FactorsAsiaCase Control StudiesChildDelivery Of Health CareDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesHealthHealth ServicesImmunizationIndiaPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPrimary Health CareResearch MethodologyResearch ReportSouthern AsiaStudiesUtilization Of Health Care--determinantsYouth

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