Effect of migratory and seasonal farmworks on coverage of vaccination of aged 0-5 years children in Sanliurfa in Turkey

Migratory and seasonal farmworkers remain marginalized and among the most socially, economically, and medically vulnerable population. Prevention and treatment efforts are challenging owing to factors such as mobility, language and literacy barriers, cultural practices and beliefs, and limited access to health care. In this cross-sectional survey, to investigate the role of migratory farmworks on child’s coverage of vaccination was aimed. We studied 170 children aged 0-5 years reared in this vulnerable families compared with the sample of non – migratory and seasonal farmworkers’ children (n=170). The data were collected using Lot Quality Technique Immunization Coverage Survey data collection form called Infant Immunization and a structured questionnaire. There was no significant difference in view of age and sex distribution between two groups (p>0.05). It was found that the vaccination coverage of children in migratory and seasonal farmworkers’ family was lower than comparison group (respectively; 48.8%, 64.8%). Migratory and seasonal farmworking situation (OR = 1.8, 95 percent CI = 1.1-2.8; p=0.007) and with having no immunization card (OR = 2.1, 95 percent CI = 1.3-3.5; p=0.003) were found as risk factors for vaccination coverage. Special attention should be given to this disadvantaged group in terms of healthcare. Farmworker mobility and the migrant lifestyle limits health services utilization, so, the effective mobile environmental and individual primary health care services should be given to these children. Key words: Migratory and seasonal farmworker, children, vaccination coverage, healthdisparities