Introduction: Acute diarrhea is the second global cause of child mortality. Rotavirus is the leading pathogen associated to severe diarrhea therefore vaccination against this virus has been initiated in Colombia. This study evaluated vaccine effectiveness against diarrhea hospitalization in children under two years old in Colombia.Methods: Vaccine effectiveness was estimated though survival analysis based on a population survey on children under two years old living in Bogotá, Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena and Riohacha. Information was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination status, risk factors for severe diarrhea and past diarrhea episodes. Results: Cumulated incidence of diarrhea hospitalization was 5,3%. Vaccine coverage was 88,5% and 78% for the first and second dose respectively. Vaccine effectiveness for prevention of diarrhea hospitalization was 52,4% CI95% (13,2% a 73,9%) the two doses scheme. Adequate vaccination effectiveness was 59,5% CI95% (23,9% a78,4%). Male sex and living in Riohacha were also identified as risk factors for diarrhea hospitalization. Conclusions: Vaccination against rotavirus was shown to be effective in the prevention of diarrhea hospitalizations. Deficiencies exist in vaccination coverage and compliance with vaccination schedules and actions need to be taken in order to guarantee vaccination before six months of age.
publication date
November 17, 2011 1:45 PM
Research
keywords
Colombia
Evaluation of the Efficacy-Effectiveness of Interventions
