EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATTERNS, RISK FACTORS, AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES ASSOCIATED WITH MEASLES INFECTION IN CHILDREN OF TEHSIL MATTA, DISTRICT SWAT PAKISTAN

Main Article Content

Muhammad Shoaib
Muhammad Hameed Khan
Tahseen Zafar
Gohir Naseer
Shafia Rehman
Muhammad Najeeb
Ajmal Khan
Sharafat Ali
Arshad Ghaffar Khan
Nida Siraj

Keywords

Measles, Risk Factor, Epidemiological, Socioeconomic Status, Sleep, Immunization Status

Abstract

Background: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that continues to pose significant health risks for children globally, despite the availability of reliable vaccines. Measles is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. Measles stands as a prominent cause of mortality among children in developing nations. Measles is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide for children under the age of five.


Objective: The current study was conducted to evaluate the main risk factors associated with measles infection in children of Tehsil Matta, District Swat, from March 2019 to August 2019.


Methodology: In the present study, a total number of n= 190 children were observed who suffered from measles. Data was collected from different government and private hospitals and other local areas using a closed type of questionnaire which consisted of different factors like age, socioeconomic status, birth rank, vaccination status, favorite diet of the child, mother literacy, and contact with measles affected children, and other medical conditions etc.


Results: Children of the age group up to 2 years n=84 (44.21%) were found to have a significantly higher rate of measles infection. Individuals having poor socioeconomic status n=96 (50.52) were found significantly infected by measles. Similarly, children having birth rank 1st n=65 (34.21%) were found to be more susceptible to the infection. Unvaccinated children n=116 (61.05%) were found to have more risk of infection. Children who preferred spicy snacks as their favorite food n=73 (38.42%) were found more infected. Children of illiterate mothers n=78 (41.05%) were found prone to measles to a large extent. The infection spread in healthy children n=108 (56.84%) through contact with infected individuals. Most symptoms of infection occurred in facial areas n=88 (46.32%). The higher rate of infection occurred in children living in low altitudes n=101 (53.57%) non cemented houses n=98 (51.57%) and those having other medical conditions n=98 (51.57%).


Conclusion:  The current study concludes that various factors contribute to measles infection in children. The current study concludes that the measles disease is most common in children aged less than 5 years. During the current study, poor socioeconomic status, low altitudes, junk food especially spicy snacks, and illiterate mothers were found as the promoting factors in measles disease. The current study shows no relationship between measles with children’s sleep cycle and a weak relationship between measles with children’s parental smoking. On time vaccination, intake of food containing vitamin A, and immediate treatment will reduce the infection.

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