A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON VACCINATION COVERAGE OF CHILDREN IN THE URBAN SLUMS OF MUZAFFARPUR, BIHAR

Abstract

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective measures in public health to date, preventing at an approximately 2--3 million fatalities in young children every year. Despite their public health benet, vaccination programs face obstacles. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the vaccination coverage among the children in urban slums in Muzaffarpur and to determine the factors associated with partial immunization. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to October 2021 on children aged 12 to 23 months old of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, the urban slums area under Department of Community Medicine, Sri Krishna Medical College, using 30-cluster survey method. Information regarding immunization status, socio demographic and personal details was collected using pretested semi structured questionnaire after obtaining the consent. RESULTS: Among 240 children, Male children constituted 53.7%. and female children to 46.3%. Full immunization coverage was 82.9% and Partial immunization coverage was 17.1%. The relation between socio demographic variables like religion, type of family, total number of children in family, birth order, place of delivery, father's and mother's educational status, socio economic status and immunization status was found to be statistically signicant. Conclusion: The overall Immunization coverage factors found in this study are illiterate father, illiterate mother, low socio economic status, no exclusive breast feeding and non-availability of immunization card were determinants of partial immunization.