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BMC International Health and Human Rights
Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Childhood immunizations in China: disparities in health care access in children born to North Korean refugees

Authors: Hyun Jung Chung, Seung Hyun Han, Hyerang Kim, Julia L. Finkelstein

Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Childhood immunization rates are at an all-time high globally, and national data for China suggests close to universal coverage. Refugees from North Korea and their children may have more limited health care access in China due to their legal status. However, there is no data on immunization rates or barriers to coverage in this population.

Methods

This study was conducted to determine the rates and correlates of immunizations in children (≥1 year) born to North Korean refugees in Yanbien, China. Child immunization data was obtained from vaccination cards and caregiver self-report for 7 vaccines and 1:3:3:3:1 series. Age-appropriate vaccination rates of refugee children were compared to Chinese and migrant children using a goodness-of-fit test. Logistic regression was used to determine correlates of immunization coverage for each vaccine and the 1:3:3:3:1 series.

Results

Age-appropriate immunization coverage rates were significantly lower in children born to North Korean refugees (12.1-97.8 %), compared to Chinese (99 %) and migrant (95 %) children. Increased father’s age and having a sibling predicted significantly lower vaccination rates.

Conclusions

Children born to North Korean refugees had significantly lower immunization rates, compared to Chinese or migrant children. Further research is needed to examine barriers of health care access in this high-risk population.
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Metadata
Title
Childhood immunizations in China: disparities in health care access in children born to North Korean refugees
Authors
Hyun Jung Chung
Seung Hyun Han
Hyerang Kim
Julia L. Finkelstein
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC International Health and Human Rights / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-698X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12914-016-0085-z

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