National Immunization Coverage Survey Saudi Arabia, 1991

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Childhood immunization is critical for preventing infectious diseases.
• Understanding immunization coverage levels is essential for public health strategies.
• Previous data on Saudi Arabian childhood immunization coverage was limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the immunization coverage of six killer diseases in Saudi children aged 1-2 years.
• To analyze variations in coverage based on geographical zones, urban-rural settings, and socioeconomic factors.
• To assess the impact of maternal education and child's birth order on immunization status.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide survey utilizing the World Health Organization (WHO) cluster technique.
• A sample of 1102 Saudi children aged 1-2 years.
• Trained interviewers, calibration, and a pilot survey were employed for data quality.

Main Results:

• Nationally, high coverage was observed: BCG (99%), DPT (98%), TOPV (96%), Measles (90%).
• 86% of children were correctly immunized according to WHO standards; 14% partially; 1% non-immunized.
• Coverage was higher for children of younger mothers and those with basic maternal education. Illiterate mothers exclusively had non-immunized children. Birth order negatively impacted coverage. The Western zone had the lowest coverage.

Conclusions:

• Saudi Arabia demonstrates very high national childhood immunization coverage against the six killer diseases.
• Maternal education and younger maternal age are positively associated with higher immunization rates.
• Targeted interventions may be needed for specific regions like the Western zone and for children of illiterate mothers.