Determinants of awareness regarding immunization among parents of children residing in an urban slum of a metro city

Abstract

Background: Many families lack accurate information and knowledge about need for immunization, the need for subsequent dose(s), and the importance of completing the entire immunization schedule. Considering this fact present study was undertaken to identify the factors influencing knowledge of parents regarding immunization.Methods: It’s a cross sectional study conducted for a period of one year in an urban slum area of Malad, Mumbai. Children aged 12-24 months in the study area were included and their parents interviewed using semi structured questionnaire which was validated with the help of a pilot study.Results: Ninety seven percent respondents had heard about immunization. Only 2.8% of them were not aware about immunization. Total 30.5% of respondents could correctly identify the purpose of immunization i.e. protection of child from disease. Almost 65.2% of them did not know vaccines given under national immunization program. Fever (72.3%) was commonest side effect reported by respondents followed by swelling (38.3%). Reasons for lack of knowledge were ignorance about immunization (31.0%), followed by enough information was not received from health providers (24.1%).Conclusions: Knowledge regarding immunisation is very poor among the residents of urban slums of Mumbai. IEC material regarding immunization should be displayed in waiting areas of immunization clinic and several strategic places in the community. There is a need for additional training or capacity building of health workers to improve their attitudes towards clients, and to strengthen their ability to counsel regarding immunization.