Childhood immunization, nutrition, and delivery care in the population of J and K, India from 2005-21: A secondary data analysis from national family health survey.

Abstract

Background: Immunization plays a critical role in safeguarding public health by preventing the spread of infectious diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Immunization programs not only protect individuals from deadly childhood diseases but also contribute to community immunity, thereby reducing the overall burden of illness. This study aims to study the trend of childhood immunization, nutrition in those under 5 and delivery care in Jammu and Kashmir, from the data available at the public forum of the National Family Health Survey from the third to fifth rounds.

Materials and methods: The indicators of delivery care, nutrition status of children, and vaccination among children below 5 years of age were extracted from the last three rounds of NFHS conducted in 2005-2006, 2015-2016, and 2019-2021. The data obtained were analyzed, and summed up in tables and figures using Microsoft Excel.

Results: Rise in vaccination rate, uptake of BCG, measles-containing vaccine, vitamin A (90% to 95%; 66% to 86.2%; 78% to 92%; 12.6% to 82% respectively) from NFHS-3 to NFHS-5. Vaccine uptake in a public health facility increased to 99.1% in NFHS-5. A rise in the percentage of children breastfed within 1 h after birth and exclusive breastfeeding (32% to 55.6% and 42.3% to 62%, respectively) from NFHS-3 to NFHS-5. An increase in wasting and severe wasting (from 14.8 to 19% and 4.4 to 9.7%, respectively) is observed. A rise in institutional births from 50.2% in NFHS-3 to 92.4% in NFHS-5 was reported.

Conclusion: Our study highlights a rise in wasting among children under the age of 5 years in J and K despite an increase in vaccination uptake and institutional deliveries from NFHS-3 to NFHS-5.