Child Immunization Status Among a Sample of Adolescent Mothers: Comparing the Validity of Measurement Strategies

Abstract

This study of adolescent mothers sought to identify whether a single general question asked by phone or a detailed, vaccine-specific question asked in a self-report questionnaire best captured infant immunization status at 6 months postpartum, by comparing them with immunization record books. Responses to a global question about whether infants were up-to-date with immunizations more closely approximated immunization records than did vaccine-specific questionnaire items. High rates of “don't know” and blank responses in the questionnaire suggested respondents were unable to accurately answer detailed questions, even when successful at having their infant immunized. Analyses suggest that asking respondents about well-baby visits may be part of an alternative strategy for collecting accurate immunization data.

KEYWORDS:

• immunization compliance
• infant immunization
• measurement

Acknowledgments

This publication was made possible by Grant Number APH PA 006039 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The statements and opinions expressed are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department.

Notes

HepB = Hepatitus B; DTaP/Tdap = Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis/Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis; Hib = Haemophilus influenza type b; PCV = Pneumoccoccal.

N = 37.

^a Indicated yes when asked if the infant was “up-to-date” on immunizations by program staff.

^b Indicated yes to all six vaccinations on the questionnaire; nine participants completed the questionnaire before Rotavirus was added to the questionnaire and were considered “up-to-date” if they indicated yes to all five vaccinations on the questionnaire.

N = 23.

N = 23. All data in percentages.

^a Four participants completed the questionnaire before Rotavirus was added to the question; these participants were excluded from the percentages for Rotavirus.

N = 14. All data in percentages.

^a Five participants completed the questionnaire before Rotavirus was added to the question; these participants were excluded from the percentages for Rotavirus.