Vacina meningocócica C: características sociodemográficas do binômio mãe-bebê e aspectos na saúde do lactante

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis C and the factors associated with its adequacy in infants attending Primary Health Care Units in Passo Fundo, Brazil, as well as the adequacy of well-child visits and the relationship between these outcomes. Methods: Cross-sectional study (2022–2024) involving women aged ≥12 years with children ≤2 years old followed in Primary Health Care. Independent variables included sociodemographic, behavioral, gestational, and clinical data of the mother-infant pair. Outcomes were vaccination coverage and adequacy of well-child care. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test (95% CI) were used. Results: The sample included 378 mothers, mostly aged 21–35 years, white, living with a partner, with a high school education, up to two children, household income of 1–2 minimum wages, and without smoking or alcohol consumption. Most pregnancies were unplanned, with clinical but not psychiatric comorbidities. Prenatal care was mostly adequate, with a predominance of cesarean deliveries and pregnancies between 21–25 years of age. A total of 391 children were analyzed, most aged 6 months or older, born at term, with adequate birth weight, no neonatal hospitalization, and being breastfed. Vaccination coverage was 93%, and its inadequacy was associated with absence of a partner (p=0.011), more than two children (p=0.002), age ≥6 months (p<0.01), and absence of breastfeeding (p<0.01). Adequate well-child care was observed in 72% of cases, and its inadequacy was associated with alcohol use during pregnancy (p=0.020), absence of neonatal hospitalization (p=0.018), and breastfeeding (p=0.007). Conclusion: Despite favorable coverage rates, inequalities remain and require educational and community-based interventions.