A Study on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Vaccines among Mothers of Under Five Children attending Pediatric OPD in a Selected Hospital at Mangalore

Abstract

Immunization has saved the lives of more children than any other medical intervention in the last 50 years. Vaccines are safe, simple and one of the most cost-effective way to save and improve the lives of children. The present study was taken up to evaluate the knowledge and attitude among mothers of underfive, pertaining to immunization coverage. Results of the study revealed that, majority, 289 (96.33%) mothers knew that BCG vaccine prevents Tuberculosis. Only 26(8.66%) mothers were knowledgeable about the measures that can be done if the child has not given DPT. 11 (3.66%) mothers knew that chicken pox can be prevented by varicella vaccine. The study concluded that even though the mothers had good attitude regarding vaccines , but they were unaware of Hib vaccine and rotavirus vaccine.