A study on the immunization status of the left-behind children in the rural areas of Zhejiang Province / 预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the immunization status of the left-behind/non-left-behind children in the rural areas of Zhejiang Province. Methods Multi-stage cluster random sampling was adopted to recruit 0-6 years old children and their guardians in a rural mountainous county in Lishui District of Zhejiang Province. Household survey was conducted using structured questionnaires. Records of vaccination were obtained and verified in the local disease control and prevention center. Results A total of 420 questionnaires were issued, with a number of 416 were complete and valid. The Valid responsive rate was 99.05% . Among them, 97 were left-behind and 319 were non-left-behind children. The immunization coverage rates did not differ significantly between the left-behind and non-left-behind children. The timely immunization rates of the third shot of hepatitis B vaccine and the first shot of encephalitis vaccine differed significantly between left-and non left-behind children (P=0.049 and P=0.044, respectively) . Conclusion Immunization status of the left-behind children in the rural areas of Zhejiang province was in a good condition in general. The local disease control and prevention center should strengthen the communication, to promote immunization knowledge and to improve family supervision of the left-behind children.