Socio-demographic variables for child immunisation among Khatik population of Delhi

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: In India, the Expanded Programme on Immunization was introduced in 1978 and renamed the Universal Immunization Programme in 1985 with the intention of immunising at least 85% of newborns. To improve infant mortality and health outcomes in India and other low and middle income countries, it is critical to understand the local immunisation barriers. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted amongst the Khatik population of North East Delhi. All childbearing women were included in the study, and data from 387 mothers was collected. Results: The illiteracy rate amongst women (18.3%) was found to be higher compared to that amongst men (7.1%). A high proportion of the children were immunised (98.7%). The results of the chisquare test revealed that the influence of socio demographic variables was not statistically associated, with the immunisation status of the children (P > 0.05). Conclusion: However, it was also evaluated that both mothers and fathers with high and intermediate school levels of education were more likely to immunise their child compared to those who were illiterate, and with primary and middle levels of education. Increasing mothers’ knowledge could help to reduce the number of children who are not immunised.