Predictors of hepatitis B immunization status in Korean American children

This study assesses the predictive factors of social context and ethnicity on childhood hepatitis B immunization status among Korean American children living in an urban area. Logistic regression analysis revealed that maternal perceptions of benefits (OR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.23–9.63) and barriers (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.25–0.89) were important predictors of hepatitis B immunization status. Among children ages 2–5 years in this study, children born prior to the adoption of new immunization guidelines in 1994 were less likely to have received all three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (adjusted OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.43–0.80). An informal social support network providing information concerning parenting and health care of children was also associated with an increased probability of obtaining the immunization (adjusted OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.25–7.66). Mother's history of adequate prenatal care (² = 3.98, p < 0.05) was significantly related to immunization status. Major perceived barriers in accessing preventive health care include burden of cost, language barrier, and difficulty remembering the immunization schedule.