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Inequalities in Childhood Immunisation in South Asia

Author

Listed:
  • Madhu Sudhan Atteraya

    (Department of Social Welfare, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea)

  • In Han Song

    (Department of Social Welfare, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea)

  • Nasser B. Ebrahim

    (Department of Public Health, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea)

  • Shreejana Gnawali

    (International Affairs Team, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea)

  • Eungi Kim

    (Department of Library and Information Science, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea)

  • Thakur Dhakal

    (Department of Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Identifying the inequalities associated with immunisation coverage among children is crucial. We investigated the factors associated with complete immunisation among 12- to 23-month-old children in five South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, using nationally representative data sets from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Descriptive statistics, bivariate association, and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the prevalence and the factors in each country that affect the likelihood of full childhood immunisation coverage. The complete childhood immunisation coverage varied significantly within each country in South Asia. Afghanistan had the lowest immunisation rates (42.6%), whereas Bangladesh ranked the highest in complete childhood immunisation rates, at 88.2%. Similarly, 77.1% of Indian children, 79.2% of Nepali children, and 62.2% of Pakistani children were completely immunised. Household wealth status strongly correlated with full childhood immunisation in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan at the bivariate level. The results from the logistic regression showed that a higher maternal educational level had a statistically significant association with complete childhood immunisation in all countries compared to mothers who did not attend any school. In conclusion, the study revealed the inequalities of complete childhood immunisation within South Asia. Governments must be proactive in their endeavours to address universal and equitable vaccine coverage in collaboration with national and international stakeholders and in line with the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Madhu Sudhan Atteraya & In Han Song & Nasser B. Ebrahim & Shreejana Gnawali & Eungi Kim & Thakur Dhakal, 2023. "Inequalities in Childhood Immunisation in South Asia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:1755-:d:1039537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Prashant Kumar Singh, 2013. "Trends in Child Immunization across Geographical Regions in India: Focus on Urban-Rural and Gender Differentials," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(9), pages 1-11, September.
    2. Satis Devkota & Christopher Butler, 2016. "Caste-ethnic disparity in vaccine use among 0- to 5-year-old children in Nepal: a decomposition analysis," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 61(6), pages 693-699, July.
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