Factors associated with BCG vaccination coverage in infants according to a demographic survey in Peru

Alexander Palomino Medina G.; Virginia Nuñez Cardenas A.; Renato Alvarez Huayán F.; Marcela Palomino Motta A.; Manuel Vela Ruiz J.; Aldo Lama Morales R.; de Bambarén M.D.S.A.G.V. · Revista Cubana de Pediatria (2025)

Resumen

Introduction: The BCG vaccine is crucial against tuberculosis, but it faces coverage challenges in Peru that affect the implementation and access. Objective: To determine the factors associated with BCG vaccination coverage in infants under six years of age, according to the 2022 Demographic and Family Health Survey. Methods: This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical, and retrospective study using secondary data from the 2022 Demographic Survey. The sample consisted of children under six years of age, children of women between 12 and 49 years of age, excluding incomplete surveys. Variables included sociodemographic information and characteristics of each child, their parents, and the household. The statistical analysis was performed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods using SPSS 26 and Excel 2019. Results: Among 11,598 eligible children, BCG vaccination coverage was 94.3%. Coverage was significantly higher among children whose mothers had completed secondary education (PR = 1.073; 95% CI: 1.033-1.115), those who had received growth and development checks (PR = 1.018; 95% CI: 1.008-1.028), and those in the second wealth quintile compared to the lowest (PR = 1.035; 95% CI: 1.022-1.048). Conversely, coverage was significantly lower among children in rural areas compared to urban areas (PR = 0.971; 95% CI: 0.961-0.981) and among those from the natural jungle region compared to those from Metropolitan Lima (PR = 0.988; 95% CI: 0.983-0.994). Conclusions: Social disparities in BCG vaccination coverage must be addressed to ensure equitable protection against tuberculosis in the Peruvian child population.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma