Examining the Effect of Socioeconomic Factors on Kindergarten Vaccination Rates in Kentucky Counties
Year of Publication
2019
College
Public Health
Date Available
7-26-2019
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Committee Member
Dr. Frank Romanelli
Advisor
Dr. Teresa Waters
Co-Director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Kathi Harp
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to examine the relationship between county-level socioeconomic factors and immunization compliance rates among kindergarten age children. All 120 counties in Kentucky were included in this evaluation.
County-level percent of uninsured children, number of children in poverty, children receiving free lunch (percentage), unemployment rate (percentage), and high school graduation rate were assessed. Socioeconomic data for each county were compared to county-level kindergarten vaccination rates. All vaccination data were obtained from the 2015-2016 Kentucky Annual School Immunization Survey Report. All socioeconomic county data were obtained from the 2016 County Health Rankings data, published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
County-level socioeconomic variables did not significantly differ between counties that met and did not meet all Healthy People 2020 vaccination goals. Higher rates of uninsured children were significantly related to higher compliance rates of total vaccination, MMR, Polio, and varicella. Higher rates of education (high school graduation rate and percent of adults with some college) were significantly related to higher DTaP and Polio vaccination rates.
This analysis provides guidance for target populations where best practices for improving vaccine compliance can be implemented.
Recommended Citation
Wiggins, Abigail, "Examining the Effect of Socioeconomic Factors on Kindergarten Vaccination Rates in Kentucky Counties" (2019). Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.). 234.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cph_etds/234
