How does birth order influence full immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months in India? evidence from the National Family Health Survey

TL;DR

The study finds that children with higher birth order in India are less likely to be fully immunized, highlighting the need for targeted public health efforts.

Contribution

This paper empirically demonstrates the decline in immunization coverage with increasing birth order using nationally representative data from India.

Findings

Higher birth order significantly reduces the likelihood of full immunization in children aged 12–23 months.

Children from the 6th or higher birth order have the lowest odds of full immunization (OR: 0.41).

Socio-demographic factors like gender, religion, and region also influence immunization coverage.

Abstract

Despite the availability of free basic vaccination programmes, the disparity continues in immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months in India, particularly with increasing birth orders. Using the data from the NFHS 5 (2019–21), the study seeks to investigate how birth order affects the likelihood of children’s immunization aged 12–23 months in India. The analysis included a nationally representative sample of 43,436 children aged 12–23 months. Bivariate LISA and multilevel logistic regression models were performed to assess spatial and statistical patterns. The study found that spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated a positive association between 1st and 2nd birth orders and child full immunization coverage. However, the likelihood of full immunization declines significantly with increasing birth order [2nd (OR: 0.91); 3rd (OR: 0.74); 4th (OR: 0.64); 5th (OR: 0.56); 6 and more (OR: 0.41)]. Similarly, other socio-demographic covariates such as female children [AOR: 0.95], children who belong to Muslim families [AOR: 0.72], and resided in the northeastern part [AOR: 0.52] of India had a lower likelihood of being completely immunized. Therefore, the present study underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions that address both familial and structural barriers to immunization, specifically for mothers who have more than two children, to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their birth position within the family.

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