To study the immunization status of children aged 1-5 years & to assess the awareness level of the parents regarding immunization of their children in tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background:Immunization is a proven tool for controlling and even eradicating disease . Immunization is the process of inducing immunity against a specific disease. Evolution of the immunization status of children aged 1-5 years & to assess the awareness level of the parents regarding immunization. Method:The Present study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics tertiary care hospital. A total of 500 children were studied. All the children aged between 1-5 years, admitted in Department of Pediatrics were asked to participate in this study. Information regarding vaccination, sociodemographic factors was collected from their parents and care takers. Accuracy and validity of information were confirmed by immunization card in possible situation and inspection for BCG scar. Results:We found that 51.2% children were fully immunized, 45.6% were partially immunized and 3.2% children were unimmunized. Study showed significant association between immunization status and age of children P (<0.001), according to religion P (<0.001), socio-economic status P (<0.001), birth order P (<0.001). Association with type of family and immunization status P (<0.05), area P (0.05) , according Gender P (0.05) statistically non-significant Majority of the parents (40.8%) gained the knowledge of immunization from ASHA/ health worker, 32% from Doctors, 16% from media (newspaper, television), 7.2% from relatives and neighbors and only 2.6% parents were themselves aware of immunization.Conclusion:Age, religion, birth order, socio economic status had significant role in influencing the immunization. The prime reason behind partial immunization as per our study was unawareness of vaccination schedule and inters current illnesses of the children.