Prevalence Of Measles In Vaccinated And Unvaccinated Children In QHAMC, Nowshera.

Original Article

Abstract

Objective: Measles is an infectious disease that is a prodigious threat to mortality under 5. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of measles vaccination and its effectiveness.

Study design: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Place and duration of study :  Department of  Paediatrics, Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera, from June 20, 2022, to July 20, 2023

Materials & Methods: In this hospital-based study, a total of 606 samples were taken of children under 5 years of age visiting QHAMC, Nowshera. A proforma was structured which asked about the biodata, Vaccination status and Measles contraction history. MSWord and. SPSS software were used for data management and presentation.

Results: Results showed that among 606 participants, 339 (55.94%) were vaccinated, while 267 (44.06%) were unvaccinated. In these 339 vaccinated children, 147 (43.36%)  had measles, while 192 (56.64%) were free of measles. In the 267 (44.06%) unvaccinated children, 168 (62.92%) had measles, while 99 (33.08%) were free of measles

Conclusion: This study concludes that Measles proves to be a huge burden on health and economic sectors of the state and measures need to be taken seriously, out of which measles vaccine prove to be very effective. Steps need to be taken to ensure the administration of these vaccines to the entire population to reduce further burden. Also, more effective vaccines and strategies need to be developed.

Keywords: Measles, Children under 5 years of age, vaccination, mortality.