DETERMINATION OF IMMUNIZATION STATUS AND INVOLVED CHALLENGES AMONG HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN

OBJECTIVE To determine the immunization status and its involved challenges among hospitalized children.  Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatrics department of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from February 2017 to September 2017. All children less than 5 years admitted via the outpatient department were included in the study. Their guardians were explained the purpose of the study and informed consent was obtained. A complete medical record of each individual including name, age, gender, detailed history, and examination was recorded in a predesigned Proforma. It also included details of immunization (fully immunized, partially immunized, or not immunized at all), Parental education (less than Primary and above Primary), socioeconomic status (poor, middle, and upper middle), and residential status (urban/rural). RESULTS: A total of 497 children were included in the study, out of which 422 were males (85%).   A total of 419 (84.30%) were completely immunized, 65 (13.07%) were partially immunized and only 13 (02.61%) were not immunized. Among 84.30% of children who were completely immunized, their parents had an education status above primary schools. Thirty-six percent of fully immunized children belonged to poor socioeconomic status. Two third of the participants belonged to an urban community. CONCLUSIONS: Ninety-seven percent of study participants were found to be completely/partially immunized. Most of the parents of immunized children had education status beyond primary school and were of upper and middle socioeconomic background. Most of them belonged to urban areas of the province.