Understanding Socioeconomic Inequalities in Zero-Dose Children for Vaccination in Underserved Settings of Ethiopia

Decomposition Analysis Approach

Bibliographic Data

ID15499544
AuthorsGashaw Andargie Biks (0000-0002-8247-7747, Project HOPE, Ethiopia Country Office, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 45, Ethiopia, corresponding author), Fisseha Shiferie (0000-0003-1492-002X, Project HOPE, Ethiopia Country Office, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 45, Ethiopia), Dawit Tsegaye, Dawit Abraham Tsegaye (Project HOPE, Ethiopia Country Office, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 45, Ethiopia), Wondwossen Asefa (Project HOPE), Frank DelPizzo (Gates Foundation), Samson Gebremedhin (0000-0002-7838-2470, Addis Ababa University)
Year2024
Volume21
Issue8
Pages1086-1086
Publication date2024-08-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph21081086
PMID39200695
OpenAlexW4401683891
LanguageEN
References cited30

Despite considerable global efforts to enhance vaccine distribution in low-income countries, a significant number of children remain unvaccinated, particularly in Ethiopia. The underlying socioeconomic challenges in these regions are recognized as primary contributors to the low vaccination rates. However, the reasons for this persistent disparity in Ethiopia's remote and underserved regions need further analysis. The study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted as part of the Project HOPE Zero-Dose Evaluation from 1 February to 31 July 2022. Concentration indices were utilized to quantify the extent of inequality, with further decomposition aimed at identifying contributing factors to this disparity. The findings underscored that populations with lower socioeconomic status encounter high numbers of children receiving no vaccinations. Key factors influencing the number of zero-dose children included distance from healthcare facilities (61.03%), economic status of the household (38.93%), absence of skilled birth assistance (20.36%), underutilization of antenatal care services (<four visits; 8.66%), lack of postnatal care (8.62%), and rural residency (7.69%). To reduce the number of zero-dose children in Ethiopia, it is essential to implement context-specific strategies that address socioeconomic barriers and integrate innovative approaches with community engagement. This approach will help to ensure equitable access to vaccines for children across all socioeconomic statuses

Biology · Decomposition · Environmental health · Inequality · Population · Socioeconomic status · Sociology · Vaccination · Zero (linguistics · Demography · Global Maternal and Child Health · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Mathematics · Medicine · Psychology · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy · Immunology

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