ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING IMMUNIZATION STATUS AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN VISITING THE EPI CENTERS OF 21UC’S OF DISTRICT BAHAWALPUR PAKISTAN: A STUDY FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE MALAYSIA

Abstract

Background:

Child immunization serves as a fundamental pillar of public health, aiming to shield children from vaccine-preventable diseases and significantly lower child mortality rates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine theanalysis of factors influencing immunization status among under-five children visiting the EPI centers of 21uc’s of district Bahawalpur Pakistan.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:The present research with a cross sectional design was carried out to determine the knowledge attitude and practice factors on parents regarding Immunization. A total of 278 parents included in the study, with whom a survey represented by the questionnaire instrument and a semi-structured interview were conducted. The study setting was the Lincoln University College Malaysia. Data was collected from   the EPI department of 21 UC’S of Bahawalpur. The study completed   approximately 18 months. The study targeted population of study was the parents along with children visiting to the different EPI Centers of 21UC’S of District Bahawalpur Pakistan. The study sample was calculated by using Epi Info WHO Calculator. A questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, Attitude and Practice of parents towards vaccination. Data was entered in Spss and descriptive statistics applied on it.

RESULTS:The majority of those surveyed (90.6%) said they had their child's EPI vaccination record, whilst 9.4% said they didn't. In contrast to 35.3 percent who said their children had not finished the EPI immunization course, less than half (48.2 percent) said all of their children had. Of those surveyed, 54.7 percent attested that their most recent child had received all recommended EPI vaccinations, whereas 27.0 percent had not. The percentage of respondents who did not arrange routine medical exams for their children was 52.2%, while just 27.3% did. While 8.6 percent did not take their children to the doctor when they were ill, 28.4 percent did. 12.2 percent had not had a vaccination, whereas 79.9 percent reported that their most recent child had. While none of the respondents (0.0 percent) had any doubts about the immunization staff's competence, 10% did. Visits for prenatal care were reported.

CONCLUSION:

The study identified multiple factors influencing immunization status among under-five children in Bahawalpur's EPI centers. Key determinants included parental education, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare facilities. Lack of awareness and misconceptions about vaccines also contributed to incomplete immunization. Mothers’ education level had a particularly strong correlation with full immunization coverage. Targeted awareness campaigns and improved healthcare accessibility are crucial to enhancing immunization rates.