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International Journal of Public Health

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01-04-2019 | Original Article

Childhood vaccination in Kenya: socioeconomic determinants and disparities among the Somali ethnic community

Authors: Nina B. Masters, Abram L. Wagner, Bradley F. Carlson, Sheru W. Muuo, Martin K. Mutua, Matthew L. Boulton

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Objectives

Kenya has a significant refugee population, including large numbers of Somali migrants. This study examines the vaccination status of Kenyan children and sociodemographic predictors of vaccination, including Somali ethnicity.

Methods

Using the 2014 Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey, we calculated the proportion of non-vaccinated, under-vaccinated, and fully vaccinated children, defining full vaccination as one dose Bacille Calmette-Guerin, three doses polio, three doses pentavalent, and one dose measles. We assessed associations among various factors and vaccination status using multinomial logistic regression and explored the effect of Somali ethnicity through interaction analysis.

Results

The study sample comprised 4052 children aged 12–23 months, with 79.4% fully, 19.0% under-, and 1.6% non-vaccinated. Among Somalis, 61.9% were fully, 28.7% under-, and 9.4% non-vaccinated. Somalis had significantly greater odds of under- and non-vaccination than the Kikuyu ethnic group. Wealth and birth setting were associated with immunization status for Somalis and non-Somalis.

Conclusions

Disparities persist in pediatric vaccinations in Kenya, with Somali children more likely than non-Somalis to be under-vaccinated. Health inequalities among migrants and ethnic communities in Kenya should be addressed.

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Title: Childhood vaccination in Kenya: socioeconomic determinants and disparities among the Somali ethnic community
Authors: Nina B. Masters
Abram L. Wagner
Bradley F. Carlson
Sheru W. Muuo
Martin K. Mutua
Matthew L. Boulton
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-018-1187-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Childhood vaccination in Kenya: socioeconomic determinants and disparities among the Somali ethnic community

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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