[Seroepidemiologic study of rubella in childbearing women in Aragon, Spain (2003-2007)]

To quantify and identify the rubella-susceptible population in Aragon according to sociodemographic variables, with the aim of assessing compliance with the 5% limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Rubella serology tests performed in women of childbearing age in the Miguel Servet Hospital from 2003 to 2007 were studied. A descriptive analysis of seronegativity was performed by age, years of study, and WHO region (for 2007). A logistic regression was performed with the independent variables of age and geographical origin.

We studied 13,136 women. The mean age was 31.2 years. During the study period, 5% were susceptible to rubella (95%CI: 4.63-5.37). In 2003, 8.8% were seronegative and the highest percentage (12.3%) was found in women aged 15 to 19 years. The percentage of seronegativity was higher in foreign-born women (7.7%), especially those from Asia, than in Spanish women (3.3%; p<0.05).

Postpartum preventive strategies should be established to prevent possible rubella outbreaks and cases of congenital rubella syndrome.