Immunization status of children and the influence of social factors: A hospital based study in western Uttar Pradesh

BackgroundDespite the ongoing National Immunization Program, the immunization coverage is still not satisfactory, particularly in U.P. Moreover, there is a wide disparity in coverage, indicating the influence of various social, economic and cultural factors.AimsThe present study was conducted to know the immunization status of children, 12–23 months of age, in the Rohilkhand region of U.P. and to assess the effects of various factors influencing it.Settings and designThe present study was carried out as a cross sectional study, between September 2012 and February 2013 at the pediatric OPD of SRMS Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly.MethodsThe subjects of the study were OPD children. A total of 450 children, aged 12–23 months were included. Immunization status, with regard to the doses of BCG, OPV, DPT and measles vaccine given in the 1st year was assessed by interviewing parents and checking immunization cards. Information about various social factors was also taken. Percentages and Chi square test were used for analyzing data.ResultsOverall, 40.66% children were found completely immunized, 45.11% were partially immunized, while 14.22% had received no immunization. The factors, which had a significant impact on immunization status were gender of the child, family's income and parental education. Birth order, religion and habitation were not found to have significant impact on the immunization status of children.ConclusionsThere is need for improving economic and educational status of families for reducing the burden of vaccine preventable diseases.