Peer-reviewed article
Inequality in child immunization coverage in Ethiopia: evidence from Expanded Program for Immunization coverage survey
Dereje Y. Yada ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This study looked at differences in childhood vaccination coverage across socioeconomic groups in Ethiopia. It used data from the 2012 Ethiopian Expanded Program for Immunization coverage survey, covering 3,748 child caregivers. It found that vaccination coverage was unequal. Children from better-off households, urban areas and with educated mothers were more likely to be vaccinated.
Key points
- Equity analysis covered 3,748 of 3,762 caregiver records.
- Concentration index values were 11% for BCG, 13.3% for OPV 3, 21.5% for Pentavalent 3 and 12.9% for Measles.
- The value was 38.6% for Pneumococcal 3 and 8.9% for Vitamin A supplementation.
- The value for full immunization was 38.6%.
- Better-off wealth status, urban residence and having an educated mother were linked to a higher likelihood of vaccination.
Limitations
The abstract describes data from a single survey year (2012), so it cannot show how inequality has changed over time. It also gives no detail on regional differences or on reasons behind the gaps, and it does not evaluate any intervention.
Abstract
Background: Immunization is one of the cost-effective public health interventions, and can be used to prevent life-threatening childhood illnesses. This study aimed to assess disparities in child immunization coverage in Ethiopia. Method: Data from the 2012 Ethiopian Expanded Program for Immunization coverage survey was used. In this study, absolute and relative equity analysis was employed based on socioeconomic variables Result: Equity analysis was conducted in 3,748 subjects out of 3,762 child caregivers’ data. The concentration index among the poorest and richest group for BCG immunization coverage was 11%, OPV 3 was 13.3%, Pneumococcal 3 was 38.6%, Pentavalent 3 was 21.5%, Measles was 12.9%, Vitamin A supplementation was 8.9%, and full immunization was 38.6%. Conclusion: Inequalities were observed in child immunization coverage across the socioeconomic groups, with the better-off wealth status, urban residents, and children from an educated mother being more likely to be vaccinated.