Rubella seroprevalance among the girls (aged 7-15) in the primary-school period living in low and high socio-economic areas in Denizli, Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Immunity against rubella before women's reproductive age is a practical strategy to control congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). This study was designed to investigate the rubella seroprevalance among the female primary-school students living in low and high socio-economic areas in Denizli (Turkey). Methodology: Two hundred seventy seven students were eligible for this comparative cross-sectional study (November 2003). Schools and classrooms were randomly included in the sample. The cut off points of blood sample were set as <10 IU negative; 310 - <15 IU indeterminate; 315 IU positive. Results: Study was completed in 235 (84.8%) students. Rubella seropositivity was 74.0% (p=0.03). Rubella vaccination rate was 14.0% (high SES) and 7.8% (low SES). A significant difference continued among the graders even after multivariable adjustments (p<0.001). Conclusion: Sporadic rubella vaccinations may not be a right option to control rubella among women in their reproductive age thus active immunization is important for public health in developing countries.