Inequalities in Compliance with the Two-Dose Measles Vaccination in Peruvian Children Aged 12 to 59 Months in 2023

Abstract

IntroductionInadequate measles vaccination coverage leads to outbreaks that affect the pediatric population in Peru. The aim of this study was to evaluate sociodemographic inequalities related to the coverage and compliance in the two-dose measles vaccination schedule among Peruvian children in 2023.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using data from a national Peruvian survey. Mothers aged 15 to 49 with children aged 12 to 59 months were included. Sociodemographic and health characteristics of the mother and child were considered sources of inequality. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated to measure the characteristics associated with adherence to the measles vaccination schedule. Inequality analysis was assessed using the Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI).ResultsA total of 8,148 households were evaluated. Vaccination coverage was identified as 85.9% (95%CI: 94.7 – 87.1) for the first dose and 53.9% (95%CI: 52.1 – 55.7) for the second dose. In the inequality analysis, mothers with no education (CI: -0.57), aged 15 to 17 years (CI: -0.38), residing in the jungle (CI: -0.41) or highlands (CI: -0.26), and without health insurance (CI: -0.01) showed greater inequality in adherence to the vaccination schedule. Additionally, adherence to growth and development check-ups in infants was a source of inequality (CI: -0.09).ConclussionMeasles vaccination coverage did not reach the minimum values required to prevent outbreaks in Peru. The factors contributing to inequality in vaccination coverage included education level, age, region of residence, area of residence, health insurance status, and adherence to growth and development check-ups.