Knowledge, attittude and practice among mothers of under five children on immunization

Abstract

Background: Many parents have poor understanding of vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) and many believe in false propagations about the contents, side effects and effectiveness of vaccines. Lack of good knowledge and positive attitude about childhood immunization was believed to be the root cause for resurgence of VPDs. Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding childhood immunization among mothers of under five children.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among mothers with at least one child in the under-five age group residing in the rural field practice area of a teaching institution. Assuming 61% mothers have good knowledge (Mangalore study) the sample size was calculated to be 235 with 20% error and 1.5 design effect. Data was collected with the help of pretested semi structured questionnaire by interviewing 15 eligible mothers from each of 16 wards. Descriptive analysis was done.Results: The average age of the participants was 27.30±5.42 years with many of them educated up to 10th grade (40.3%) and most being housewife (74.5%). Knowledge of mothers regarding the diseases that can be prevented by immunization was fairly good. But the knowledge regarding individual vaccines, their dosages and schedule were found to be low. Majority of mothers had good attitude about immunization. Immunization coverage of the locality was relatively good (87.7%). Significant relation was established between attitude and practice. Sick at the time of vaccination was the most common cause of being partially immunised (68.96%).Conclusions: Intensify the awareness classes for mothers and religious leaders on immunisation.

Assessment of Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Childhood Vaccination during the First Five Years of Life in Saudi Arabia

“…Therefore, the results of the current study align with previous studies that were recently conducted in Saudi Arabia and with internationally trusted reports. The same aspects of a high level of knowledge, attitude, and practice were presented in other worldwide studies [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…Protection from diseases is one of the uttermost benefits that any country can offer to its people [ 1 ]. It is certain that vaccines are an essential part of a health system [ 2 ], an effective tool for controlling diseases in many countries around the world [ 3 ], and the most cost-effective mechanism for morbidity and mortality prevention that permits people to better protect themselves from particular bacteria and viruses [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. In order to have the greatest protection against diseases, children should receive all their vaccinations within recommended intervals and at the appropriate age [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Study of knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers of children under 5 years on immunisation status attending a tertiary care hospital: A cross sectional study

“…Among the 350 mothers interviewed, there was multiple sources of information but majority got information regarding immunization from health personnel (94.8%) followed by previous experience (3.1%), media and literature (1.2%) followed by family or friends (0.9%).Study done by K.K. Lamiya et al 22 in Kerala, India in 2017 showed health workers (77.4) as source of knowledge. Study by Boffaraj et al 16 in Libya in 2008 showed the most common source of information about the immunization of under five children was para medical workers (90%).…”

“…Study done by K.K. Lamiya et al 22 in Kerala, India in 2017 showed (87.7%), Nath B et al 20 in Lucknow, India in 2008 showed (44.1%), Boffaraj et al 16 in Libya in 2008 showed (81.1%), Adefolalu et al 14 in Nigeria in 2019 showed (86.4%), Nafila A.K 27 in 2019 revealed (93%), Joseph J 21 , Bengaluru in 2015 showed (86%), Rabannie Tariq Wani et al 24 in Kashmir, India in 2017 revealed (90%) were fully immunized.…”