A Study to Assess and Correlate the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Vaccination among Mothers with Educational Status in a Teaching Hospital in South India

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood immunization almost guarantees protection from several diseases. Since mothers are the important health decision makers of their child, their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding immunization and their educational status in general have a great impact in the immunization status of their children.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess mothers, knowledge, attitude and practice of immunization and to make a correlation between these factors and vaccination status of their child. This study also aims to establish a relation between educational level of mothers and immunization status of their child.Methodology: The study was conducted in a teaching hospital in a socioeconomically backward part of Bangalore, Karnataka. Mothers who came to the outpatient department of hospital to vaccinate their children were interviewed by a self-designed Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. A total of 143 mothers were enrolled in the study. Each mother was assessed their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice by giving specific scoring to selected questions in the questionnaire.Results: Even though most of the mothers had satisfactory knowledge, attitude and practice, almost 25% children were identified as un-immunized or partially immunized. Educational status of mothers were identified as an independent factor in the determination of their children’ vaccination status. There is an urgent need to increase the coverage of UIP (Universal Immunization Programme) vaccines and there is a dire need to arrange for health education program sessions for all the parents regarding the importance of complete adherence of vaccination among children. TV, newspaper and other Medias can be also promoted as most important sources which can be used for spreading educational messages regarding vaccination.