Mapping of immunization coverage using Geographic Information system (GIS) technology in urban slums of central Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Immunization is an essential component of public health programs and the most cost effective intervention. Despite having a robust and well-functioning health system in India some states face reduction in immunization coverage which needs to be improved. Objectives: In urban field practice area of a tertiary care teaching hospital - To assess the immunization coverage among children aged 6-23 months and To assess the use of Geographic Information system (GIS) technology as a tool for spatial mapping of the vaccine coverage Method: A cross sectional study was done among 6-23 months children residing in the urban slums in the field practice area of tertiary care teaching hospital. Data was collected by house to house visits with interview of mother/primary caregiver using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire. QGIS software was used for spatial mapping of the immunization coverage. Result: A total of 374 children aged 6–23 months were part of the study. It was found that the completely immunized, partially immunized, and unimmunized children were 78.3%, 16.9%, and 4.8%, respectively. The most common cause for partial immunization and non-immunization was child being ill and the lack of information, respectively. Spatial mapping of immunization coverage helped us in identifying the urban areas with low immunization coverage. Conclusions: Vaccine coverage in the area needs to be improved more which can be done by educating the mothers/primary caregivers and motivating them for better health of their children. GIS can be used as a useful tool in mapping immunization coverage.