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Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants

Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants

Published on: December 20, 2011

Immunization practices in low birth weight infants from rural Haryana, India: Findings from secondary data analysis

Ravi Prakash Upadhyay¹, Ranadip Chowdhury¹, Sarmila Mazumder¹

¹Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, New Delhi, India.

Journal of Global Health

|February 10, 2018

Insights

Low birth weight (LBW) infants in India have significantly delayed and incomplete immunization rates. Interventions should target vulnerable subgroups, including those from the lowest wealth quintiles and with less educated mothers.

Area of Science:

Pediatrics
Immunology
Public Health

Background:

Low birth weight (LBW) infants possess compromised immunity, increasing their vulnerability.
Limited research exists on immunization practices for LBW infants in India.
This study addresses the need for intervention by examining immunization in LBW infants.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze immunization practices among LBW infants in India.
To identify factors associated with delayed or incomplete vaccination.
To inform targeted interventions for improving immunization coverage.

Main Methods:

Analysis of immunization data from LBW infants in a randomized controlled trial.
Outcomes assessed: full immunization by one year, delayed DPT vaccination (DPT1, DPT3).
Multivariable logistic regression used to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

Only 29.7% of LBW infants achieved full immunization by one year.
Factors associated with decreased full immunization include lower wealth, Muslim religion, and young maternal age.
High rates of delayed DPT1 (52%) and DPT3 (81%) vaccination were observed.
Maternal education (≥12 years) was linked to higher full immunization and lower delayed vaccination rates.

Conclusions:

LBW infants face significant risks of delayed and incomplete immunization in this population.
Specific subgroups, such as those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and with younger mothers, require targeted attention.
Improving maternal education is crucial for enhancing immunization coverage in LBW infants.

Read full analysis

Abstract

Background:

Low birth weight (LBW) infants constitute a vulnerable subset of infants with impaired immunity in early life. In India, there is scarcity of studies that focus on immunization practices in such infants. This analysis aimed to examine immunization practices in LBW infants with the intention to identify areas requiring intervention.

Methods:

Data on immunization status of LBW infants enrolled in an individually randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of neonatal vitamin A supplementation were analysed. Study outcomes were full immunization by one year of age and delayed vaccination with DPT1 and DPT3. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the outcome(s).

Findings:

Out of 10 644 LBW infants enrolled in trial, immunization data were available for 10 517 (98.8%). Less than one-third (29.7%) were fully immunized by one year of age. Lowest wealth quintile (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32-0.47), Muslim religion (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.35-0.48) and age of mother <20 years (AOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.52-0.73) were associated with decreased odds of full immunization. Proportion of infants with delayed vaccination for DPT1 and DPT3 were 52% and 81% respectively. Lowest wealth quintiles (AOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.25-1.82), Muslim religion (AOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21-1.65), mother aged <20 years (AOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.53) and birth weight <2000 g (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.40) were associated with higher odds of delayed vaccination for DPT-1. Maternal education (≥12 years of schooling) was associated with high odds of full immunization (AOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.97-2.91) and low odds of delayed vaccination for both DPT-1 (AOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.49-0.73) and DPT-3 (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43-0.76).

Conclusion:

In this population, LBW infants are at a risk of delayed and incomplete immunization and therefore need attention. The risks are even higher in identified subgroups that should specifically be targeted.

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