The role of schools in the spread of mumps among unvaccinated children
Author Information
Author(s): Wilhelmina LM Ruijs, Jeannine LA Hautvast, Reinier P Akkermans, Marlies EJL Hulscher, Koos van der Velden
Primary Institution: Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
Hypothesis
Do differences in attack rates and time of onset for mumps among unvaccinated children relate to the particular elementary schools they attend?
Conclusion
The school attended by unvaccinated children and their siblings, along with household size, determined whether they contracted mumps and when.
Supporting Evidence
- 54% of households completed the questionnaire, providing data on 1191 children.
- Attack rates for unvaccinated children were significantly higher in orthodox protestant schools compared to other schools.
- The hazard of mumps was higher in one orthodox protestant school compared to another, with a hazard ratio of 1.43.
Takeaway
This study found that unvaccinated children got mumps based on which school they went to and how big their family was.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study was conducted among students in four elementary schools and their siblings, collecting data on mumps infection, vaccination status, and household characteristics.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias regarding vaccination status and the anonymous nature of the questionnaire may have affected the accuracy of the data.
Limitations
The study had a 54% response rate, relied on parental recall for vaccination status, and may have underestimated the actual number of mumps cases.
Participant Demographics
Participants included children aged 0 to 21 years from four elementary schools in a village with a large orthodox protestant population.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.19-1.71
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website