RESUMEN
To determine the rate of sero-conversion after first dose of measles immunization in children less than one year of age and to find out association between seroconversion with nutritional status, URTI, fever and diarrhea. Descriptive cross sectional study of 6 month duration conducted at outpatient department, EPI center LUH Hyderabad. Total 240 children between 9 to 12 months, who came for measles immunization were enrolled. Pre-vaccination blood samples were obtained along with assessment of nutritional status, and current associated illness like pneumonia, diarrhea and fever of each child. The post vaccination samples were taken after 3 months. Measles antibodies were estimated by using ELISA technique and titers were compared with controls supplied by manufacturers. The effectiveness of measles immunization was 87.5%. Statistical analysis proved that association sero-negativity with clinical condition was insignificant [Chi square test, P value > 0.05]. Regarding the pre-vaccinated status 222 [92.5%] were found negative for anti-measles antibodies and 18 [7.5%] were found to be with persistent maternal anti-measles antibodies. Measles immunization produces adequate immunological responses even among malnourished children however a second dose is necessary to increase the efficacy more than 95%
RESUMEN
To assess the practice and knowledge of mothers regarding breast feeding, complimentary feeding, and to find out socio-economic correlates of feeding practices. A cross sectional survey conducted at paediatric department of Liaquat University Hospital [LUH] from Jan-Dec 2008. During that period 500 mothers with children less than 24 months were included. Infant feeding patterns were assessed in relation to recommendations and household socio-economic factors by an Interview Technique. Out of 500 mothers, 8.4% started exclusive breast feeding [EBF] while Pre-lacteal use was seen in 31.6%. Regarding the duration 52.2% mothers continued breast feeding for 2 years. Median duration of EBF was 3.5 months. It was seen that 60% of the 0-5 month-old infants breastfed 8 or more times per day. However, exclusiveness of breast feeding decreased from 60% at [0-2 months] to 40% [3-5 months]. Majority 64.2% were poor and 61.5% had no education. There is a statistically significant difference in feeding practices of educated and uneducated [P < 0.0001] and also in poor and middle class mothers [P <0.0003]. Regarding, age of their last born babies, 180 babies were under 6 months, and 320 were 6 to 23 months of age. The knowledge about complimentary feeding [CF] was inadequate. Around 21% of 2-3 months old babies received complementary food and 19% of 6-8 month-olds were only breastfed. In 78% mothers CF was advised by family members while in 23% mothers by doctors. Exclusive breastfeeding was not maintained upto recommended age of 6 months. Knowledge about CF was lacking in the mothers. Regarding, mothers' education and socioeconomic conditions, a positive correlation was noted with feeding practices