Immunization coverage in a rural area of Bareilly district: a cross-sectional community-based study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Immunization remains a cost-effective method for child survival against vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite all the interventions put in by the government for 100% immunization coverage, there remain pockets of low coverage, especially in rural areas.Our aim was to estimate the immunization coverage and assess sociodemographic factors associated with immunization among children aged 12-23 months in a rural area of Bareilly. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice area under RHTC from January 2016 to June 2016 using a 30 by 7 cluster sampling technique. A total of seven children aged 12-23 months were interviewed from each cluster on a preformed, pretested, and semi-structured questionnaire, thus giving a sample size of 210. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: More than two-thirds (69%) of study participants were completely vaccinated, whereas about 31% were partially or not vaccinated. Immunization coverage was found to be highest for BCG (80.4%) and lowest for the third dose of DPT (69.0%). The most common reason for partial or non-immunization was found to be unawareness (45.5%) and fear of side effects (43.9%). CONCLUSION: There is a need to create awareness and increase knowledge among caretakers of children about the importance and benefits of getting immunization for their children as a major step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goals.