Assessment of Nutrition and Immunization Status of Children from 6 Months to 59 Months of Age

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition and incomplete immunization remain major public health concerns in under-five children and contribute significantly to preventable morbidity and mortality. Concurrent assessment of nutritional status and immunization coverage provides a practical basis for identifying vulnerable children and strengthening child health interventions. Aim: To determine the nutritional and immunization status of children aged 6 to 59 months and to evaluate the association between immunization status and nutritional status. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Children’s Hospital Lahore, from 21 January 2025 to 21 June 2025. A total of 151 children aged 6 to 59 months were enrolled through non probability consecutive sampling from the outpatient department. Nutritional status was assessed using World Health Organization weight-for-height Z-scores and categorized as normal, moderate acute malnutrition, or severe acute malnutrition. Immunization status was verified using the Expanded Programme of Immunization card and classified as completely immunized, partially immunized, or non immunized. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0, and associations were tested using chi square analysis with stratification. Results: The mean age was 28.4 ± 14.2 months. There were 89 (58.9%) males and 62 (41.1%) females. Mean weight was 11.8 ± 3.4 kg and mean height was 84.6 ± 12.8 cm. Urban residence was noted in 94 (62.3%) children and rural residence in 57 (37.7%). Lower socioeconomic status was observed in 82 (54.3%), middle in 51 (33.8%), and upper in 18 (11.9%). Nutritional status was normal in 77 (51.0%), moderate acute malnutrition in 38 (25.2%), and severe acute malnutrition in 36 (23.8%). Immunization status showed 112 (74.2%) completely immunized, 31 (20.5%) partially immunized, and 8 (5.3%) non immunized. Nutritional status was significantly associated with immunization status (χ²=18.42, p=0.001). Conclusion: Acute malnutrition was common, and incomplete immunization was associated with poorer nutritional status. Strengthening integrated nutrition screening and immunization services is essential.