An evaluation of primary immunization coverage among 12-23 months children in an urban area of western Maharashtra: a community based cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Infectious diseases are major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. One of the most cost effective and easy methods for the child survival is immunization. Objective was to determine the immunization coverage and find out the various factors and its reasons for partial or non-immunization of child. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for the assessment of immunization coverage in the field practice area of the urban health training center using WHO 30×7 clusters sampling method during March 2021 to October 2022. A total of seven children aged 12-23 months were interviewed from each cluster on pretested, predesigned schedule, thus giving us the sample size of 210. Chi square test was applied for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 210 children aged 12-23 months were included in the study. It was found that 158 (75.24%) of the children were found to be fully immunized. While 49 (23.34%) and 3 (1.42%) nonimmunized respectively. Most common reason for partial and non-immunization of children was found to be obstacles and lack of motivation on the part of parents. There is only statistically significant association between education of mothers and immunization status of children. Conclusions: Increasing the knowledge and understanding of the caretakers of the young children abouts the essentiality and benefits of routine immunization would be a strong step forward in achieving the goals.