Title:
Missed At Birth: An Analysis of Hepatitis B Birth Dose Coverage in the Philippines
Authors:
Moseley, Luke
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2025
PAGE:
x, 59
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Philippines; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Social Determinants of Health; Maternal and Child Health
Abstract:
Introduction: Timely coverage of the available and effective hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD) vaccine remains suboptimal in the Philippines. This study investigates national and regional uptake of HepB-BD and key factors influencing vaccination. It seeks to generate evidence to inform immunisation strategies. Methodology: This study utilised the 2022 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, which includes vaccination data of children under five. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of vaccine uptake, and a predictive model was developed to estimate vaccination probabilities under different maternal and contextual scenarios. Spatial autocorrelation and clustering were assessed. Results: Key determinants of HepB-BD uptake included place of delivery, antenatal care attendance, internet usage, religion, and region. Births at government hospitals (aOR 8.00; p-value <0.001), more ANC visits (aOR 1.11; p-value 0.001) and recent internet use (aOR 1.56; pvalue 0.002) were associated with higher odds of vaccination, while Muslim children were associated with lower odds (aOR 0.48; p-value <0.028). Regional disparities were prominent, and spatial analysis showed clusters of under-prediction in underserved regions, suggesting the presence of unmeasured barriers. Substantial missing data was significantly correlated with non-vaccination, particularly for ANC and place of delivery. Discussion: Improving facility birth rates, strengthening ANC services, expanding internet access, and engaging Muslim communities through culturally sensitive strategies are key priorities. Predictive modelling and spatial analysis proved useful in identifying at-risk populations. Future surveys must address data completeness to better guide policy. These findings support strengthened and equitable immunisation strategies.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute, VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Philippines
Region:
Southeast Asia
Training:
Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2025 Moseley
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
fJgv2vfUn3_20251216133400357.pdf