BCG vaccination coverage and its adverse events on child health at dakahlia governorate

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis is an important public health problem in developing countries. This study was conducted on 454 children during their second year of life [20-24] months. The study aimed to assess BCG vaccination coverage, its adverse events on child1 health as well as to determine the nurses knowledge and practices of BCG administration in the outreach population at Dakahlia Governorate, An interview questionnaire was designed to collect the needed data from children' mothers at their homes. Assessment sheet and Observation check list were used to assess the nursing staff knowledge and practice. Indirect Elisa assay was used to test the lymphocytic count and function, and serum immunoglobulin IgG, IgM, and IgA levels. The study results revealed low BCG vaccination coverage in the remote areas [87.4%]. Mothers' age education and information were found to be a predominant factors for unvaccination of their children while their occupation and social class contributed to its delay. The duration of work gave nurses more experience in administering the correct dose and site of BCG injection, pearly all nurses did not wash their hands before injection. Amazingly, non of them gave post BCG instruction to' the mothers. Unvaccinated children exhibited a highly significant reduction in IgM level and T- cell function. In spite of the variation in the recorded percentages between vaccinated and unvaccinated children, insignificant differences was found in relation to the adverse events of BCG on child weight, length and complaints. The study recommended that nurses in the primary health care center should receive training on vaccination protocol and be closely supervised. Mobile care should reach those children and families in the remote areas. Arab Nomad should be followed and educated about the child vaccination schedule