Analysis of vaccination status of preschool children in Teresina (PI), Brazil

Ana Catharina Nunes Fernandes1, Keila Rejane Oliveira Gomes1, Telma Maria Evangelista de Araújo1

  • 1Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil.

Insights

Childhood immunization delays and non-vaccination affect 24.9% of preschoolers. Young caregivers and infrequent childcare visits are linked to these delays, highlighting the need for stronger primary healthcare support.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Immunization is a key strategy for reducing child mortality.
  • Despite its importance, vaccination delays and non-vaccination are increasing concerns.
  • This study addresses the critical issue of childhood immunization status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the immunization status of preschool children in Teresina, Piauí.
  • To identify factors associated with delayed or missed vaccinations in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted with 542 children aged 2-6 years.
  • Data were collected via forms and vaccination card scanning.
  • Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ2 Test, Fisher's Exact Test, and multiple logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • The frequency of delayed vaccination or non-vaccination was 24.9%.
  • Young caregivers (under 24 years) and low frequency of childcare consultations were significantly associated with vaccination delays (p < 0.05).
  • No association was found with the child's experience in the vaccination room or the Family Health Strategy implementation.

Conclusions:

  • Strengthening primary healthcare is crucial to reduce vaccination delays and non-vaccination.
  • Healthcare professionals should actively guide and encourage parents/caregivers to adhere to vaccination schedules.
  • Addressing caregiver-related factors is essential for improving childhood immunization coverage.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
53.5K
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the...
29
Bias in Epidemiological Studies01:29

Bias in Epidemiological Studies

Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:  
1.6K
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
2.3K
Principles of Disease Surveillance01:26

Principles of Disease Surveillance

Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
775
Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data01:25

Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data

Epidemiological data primarily involves information on specific populations' occurrence, distribution, and determinants of health and diseases. This data is crucial for understanding disease patterns and impacts, aiding public health decision-making and disease prevention strategies. The analysis of epidemiological data employs various statistical methods to interpret health-related data effectively. Here are some commonly used methods:
1.2K