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http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/abstract/111/5/S1/1215

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Collections under which this article appears: Miscellaneous

PEDIATRICS Vol. 111 No. 5 May 2003, pp. 1215-1218

 

Maternal Characteristics Associated With Vaccination of Young Children

Elizabeth T. Luman, MS, Mary Mason McCauley, MTSC, Abigail Shefer, MD and Susan Y. Chu, PhD

From the National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia

Objective. Mothers can be instrumental in gaining access to vaccination services for their children. This study examines maternal characteristics associated with vaccination in US preschool children.

Methods. We analyzed data from 21 212 children aged 19 to 35 months in the National Immunization Survey. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify maternal characteristics associated with completion of all recommended vaccinations in these children.

Results. Factors most strongly associated with undervaccination included having mothers who were black; had less than a high school education; were divorced, separated, or widowed; had multiple children; were eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) but not participating; or had incomes below 50% of the federal poverty level.

Conclusion. Because most mothers play an important role in their children’s vaccination, it is important to address maternal concerns and barriers when developing public health interventions for promoting childhood vaccinations. Encouraging eligible women and their children to participate in the WIC program and providing support and encouragement for immunization to mothers with multiple children may improve early childhood vaccination coverage.

Key Words: vaccination • immunization • children • mother • maternal characteristics

Abbreviations: NIS, National Immunization Survey • WIC, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children • OR, odds ratio

Received for publication Oct 2, 2002; accepted Dec 4, 2002.

Copyright © 2003 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. [Disclaimer]

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