A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MEASLES COMPLICATIONS IN VACCINATED VERSUS NON-VACCINATED CHILDREN

Abstract

Objective:

To find out and compare the frequency of measles complications among vaccinated and nonvaccinated

Methodology:

This hospital based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Pediatrics Unit,

PGMI/LRH, Peshawar All the patients were divided into two groups. In group 1, 100 vaccinated and in

group 2, 100 non-vaccinated children were included. Both groups were compared for complications of

measles.

Results:

In group 1, majority (51%) cases were in age range of 1-3 years and in group 2, majority (59%)

cases were also in age range of 1-3 years. In group 1, male were 55 (55%) and 45 (45%) were female. In

group 2, male were 53 (53%) and 47 (47%) female. In group 1, complications include bronchopneumonia

in 49 (49%), upper respiratory tract infection in 39 (39%), diarrhea in 32 (32%), oral ulcer in 31 (31%),

dehydration in 15 (15%), otitis media in 10 (10%), malnutrition in 2 (2%), encephalitis in only 1 (1%)

case. In group 2, bronchopneumonia in 51 (51%), diarrhea in 50 (50%), upper respiratory tract infection

in 24 (24%), oral ulcer in 22 (22%), dehydration in 20 (20%), otitis media in 17 (17%), malnutrition in 12

(12%), and encephalitis in 11 (11%) patients.

Conclusion:

Nearly 50% of children in both groups were less than 5 years of age. This indicates that

many children of this age group are still unprotected. Overall difference in vaccinated and unvaccinated

groups was statistically significant (P value = 0.001).

children.