IMMUNIZATION STATUS AND OCCURENCE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION IN UNDER FIVE CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children below five years of age. Immunization against certain diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertusis, and with BCG may protect the child against LRI. Objectives: To study the prevalence of ARI among under five children residing in the urban slum and the effect of immunization on the occurrence of ARI in the study population. Method: Cross Sectional observational study carried out in the urban slum, Raichur. Results: Out of 451 children enrolled in the study, 75 children had ARI at the time of survey; hence the prevalence rate is 16.6%. Completely immunized children were 67.4% and 32.6% were partially immunized. Conclusion: A significantly higher prevalence was found for age. Partially immunized children had higher prevalence. Improving the immunization status will help to reduce the burden of ARI.