Keywords
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that continues to pose a major public health challenge in developing countries despite the availability of an effective vaccine.
Objective: To determine the risk factors and outcomes of measles in children admitted to a tertiary care hospital.
Study Design: Descriptive case series.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatric Medicine, The University of Child Health and The Children’s Hospital, Lahore, from March 2025 to July 2025.
Methodology: A total of 141 children aged 1 to 12 years diagnosed with measles were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data regarding age, gender, residence, vaccination status, socioeconomic condition, parental literacy, overcrowding, and nutritional status were recorded using a structured proforma. All patients were followed during hospitalization, and outcomes were noted as discharge or mortality.
Results: The mean age of participants was 4.8 ± 2.9 years. Out of 141 patients, 82 (58.2%) were males and 59 (41.8%) were females. A total of 89 (63.1%) children were unvaccinated, 95 (67.4%) belonged to low socioeconomic backgrounds, 77 (54.6%) had illiterate parents, and 84 (59.6%) were malnourished. Overcrowding was reported in 101 (71.6%) households. Common complications included pneumonia (41.1%), diarrhea (31.2%), and encephalitis (7.8%). Overall, 124 (87.9%) children recovered while 17 (12.1%) died. Mortality was significantly associated with unvaccinated status (p = 0.01), malnutrition (p = 0.02), and low socioeconomic status (p = 0.04).
Conclusion: It is concluded that measles-related morbidity and mortality remain high among unvaccinated and malnourished children, especially in low-income families. Improving immunization coverage, enhancing parental education, ensuring adequate nutrition, and addressing socioeconomic barriers are vital steps toward reducing measles complications and deaths in children.