Related Experiment Videos
Childhood immunization practices of primary care physicians
W J Hueston1, R L Meade, A G Mainous
1Primary Care Division, St Claire Medical Center, Morehead, KY.
Archives of Family Medicine
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Rural primary care physicians in Kentucky utilize immunizations less than their urban counterparts, primarily due to cost barriers. This disparity may hinder immunization access for rural children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Immunization is a cornerstone of pediatric preventive care.
- Understanding geographic disparities in healthcare access is crucial for public health.
- Physician practices regarding immunization influence community health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare immunization utilization practices between rural and urban primary care physicians in Kentucky.
- To identify factors influencing immunization delivery in different practice settings.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 200 primary care physicians (pediatricians, family physicians, general practitioners) in Kentucky.
- A 20-item questionnaire assessed physician demographics, practice characteristics, immunization offerings, and reasons for non-utilization.
- Data were analyzed to compare practices between rural and urban physicians.
Main Results:
- Physicians in rural Kentucky counties offered immunizations less frequently (54%) compared to urban physicians (77%).
- Both rural and urban physicians identified patient cost as the primary barrier to immunization use.
- Referral patterns for immunizations were similar, with most patients directed to county health departments.
Conclusions:
- Rising immunization costs disproportionately affect physician utilization in rural Kentucky, potentially limiting access for children.
- Addressing cost barriers is essential to improve immunization rates in underserved rural populations.
- Geographic disparities in immunization access require targeted public health interventions.