Impact of immunization status on nutrition among 12-23-month-old children in Telangana-A cross-sectional study

Malnutrition and incomplete immunization remain major public health challenges in India. This study has been conducted to determine whether a child's immunization status has an influence on their nutritional status.

(1) To assess the nutritional status and primary immunization coverage in children aged 12-23 months. (2) To determine the association between sociodemographic factors, nutritional status, and immunization status.

A comparative community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over four months (from March to June 2023) involving children aged 12-23 months in both urban and rural practice areas associated with the Osmania Medical College. The study included a sample of 400 children, 200 from urban settings and 200 from rural locations, selected using a multistage sampling approach. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

The coverage of full immunization, partial immunization, and nonimmunization in urban area is 65%, 34%, and 1%, while in rural area is 48.5%, 49%, and 2.5%, respectively. Underweight, stunted, wasted, and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) children in the urban area are 26%, 23.5%, 11%, and 3.5%, while in rural area, underweight, stunted, wasted, and SAM children are 26%, 32%, 16%, and 5.5%. Statistical analysis shows significant associations between malnutrition and immunization status and various types of malnutrition and independent variables, factors like immunization status, residence, family type, socioeconomic status, and mother's age showed a significant association.

Though progress has been made, achieving universal coverage for nutrition and immunization requires collaboration, planning and monitoring, and systemic changes across all levels of healthcare.