How common are zero-dose children in underserved Ethiopia?
In June 2022 surveys of underserved settings, 33.7% of children were zero-dose; poverty, young/single motherhood, and weak ANC/PNC strongly predicted the gap.
Source
High prevalence of zero-dose children in underserved and special setting populations in Ethiopia using a generalize estimating equation and concentration index analysis
What they did
Ran a cross-sectional vaccine coverage survey (CommCare; Stata 17) among mothers of children aged 12–35 months (3,646 interviews), estimated weighted prevalence, and modeled predictors with generalized estimating equations plus concentration-index analyses.
What they found
Overall zero-dose prevalence 33.7%, highest in pastoralist/developing regions, IDP, newly formed, and conflict-affected areas. Poorest wealth AOR 2.78; single marital status AOR 2.4; maternal age 15–24 AOR 1.2; fewer ANC visits and no PNC also raised odds.
The limits
What it doesn't show
Cross-sectional associations are not proof of causal levers; CI reported in the abstract looks atypical and estimates are setting-specific, not a national DHS replacement.
Key terms
- Zero-dose children
- Children who have not received any routine vaccinations.
- GEE
- Generalized estimating equations accounting for clustered survey data.
- Concentration index
- Inequality metric summarizing socioeconomic gradients in coverage.
- ANC / PNC
- Antenatal and postnatal care contacts linked to immunization uptake.
- Pastoralist / IDP settings
- Hard-to-reach populations with elevated zero-dose prevalence here.
- Wealth index
- Household socioeconomic ranking used as a key predictor.
Flashcards
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Zero-dose prevalence reported:
Common questions
Zero-dose prevalence?
33.7% in the study settings.
How many caregivers interviewed?
3,646 (97.7% response).
Strong wealth effect?
Poorest AOR 2.78 vs richer groups.
Where was burden highest?
Pastoralist/developing, IDP, new, and conflict-affected areas.
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