1097Inequalities in full vaccination coverage by maternal education and wealth quintiles in South Asian countries

Abstract

Abstract Background Estimated one in four children is not fully immunized in South Asia. This study aimed to compare full vaccination coverage in the region and its inequalities by maternal education and household wealth quintile. Methods We used data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. Children aged 12-23 months were included. We defined full vaccination as receiving at least six antigen: Bacille Calmette Guerin, Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, and Measles. We measured absolute inequalities using the slope index of inequality (SII), and relative inequalities using the relative index of inequality (RII) both for maternal education and household wealth quintiles. Results The full vaccination coverage ranged from 46% in Afghanistan to 84% in Bangladesh. Pakistan had the largest inequalities in coverage by maternal education (SII: -50.0, RII: 0.4) and household wealth quintile (SII: -47.1, RII: 0.5). The SII by wealth quintiles was smaller (-8.4) in Nepal compared to Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, but it was larger (-30.5) by maternal education compared to Bangladesh and India, although smaller than Pakistan and Afghanistan. The RII followed a similar trend. Conclusions All South Asian countries studied had full vaccination coverage under 85%. Both absolute and relative inequalities were larger by maternal education compared to wealth quintile in four of the six countries. Key messages Larger inequalities by maternal education compared to wealth-based inequalities in most South Asian countries indicate the critical role of maternal education to improve child health outcomes.