Peer-reviewed article
Immunization coverage, quality, and socio-demographic determinants: a cross-sectional study of children aged 0-24 months in Pune slums under the National Immunization Programme
Surjit Singh Gangwar, Rajesh Sahu, Harpreet Singh, Kunal Chatterjee, Rahul Nayak et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
Limitations
Abstract
Background: Immunization is an established and effective method for controlling and even eradicating diseases. However, despite decades of commitment to achieving universal coverage, the current vaccination rates for EPI vaccines remain incomplete. Immunization is a cornerstone of global health and development, playing a crucial role in achieving the SDGs, particularly SDG 3. Aim and objectives were to assess immunization coverage, quality, and socioeconomic demographic determinants with it among 0-24 months children. Methods: This community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to July 2024 at the urban health centre under the department of community medicine. The study included all 179 children aged 0-24 months residing in the slums of the urban field practice area. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 23 and Microsoft Excel. Results: 164 (91.62%) study subjects were fully immunized and 15 (8.38%) were partially immunized. Proportion of study subjects fully immunized differs significantly from those partially immunized with respect to type of family, education and occupation of mother. No significant association was observed between gender, religion, socioeconomic scale, immunization card and birth order of child with immunization status. Conclusions: The study concluded high immunization coverage among children in the slums of Pune Cantonment. However, areas for improvement still exit, particularly in addressing partial immunization and ensuring that all children receive complete protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. There is need to evaluate different aspects of religion and socioeconomic status which are responsible for significant difference in immunization coverage.