Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Mothers Of Under Five Children Regarding Immunization In A Selected Community, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Research Article
Vasantha kalyani C and Xavier Belsiyal C
DOI: 
xxx-xxxxx-xxxx
Subject: 
science
KeyWords: 
Immunization, Underfive Children, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice.
Abstract: 

Background: Immunization is one of the most effective, safest & efficient Public Health Interventions .While the impact of Immunization on childhood morbidity & mortality has been great, its full potential has yet to be reached1 . As per National Family Health Survey (NFHS-III), 60% of children ages 12-23 months are fully vaccinated against 6 major childhood illnesses; however, most children are at least partially vaccinated; only 9% have received no vaccination at all. Knowledge of vaccine coverage and reasons for poor uptake are essential for the achievement of vaccination coverage. Materials and methods: The present study adopted a cross sectional design, where mothers of under five children from a selected rural community were participated. The subjects’ were assessed using the Semi Structured Questionnaire to assess the level of knowledge, the attitude and practice of mothers regarding immunization. The objectives were to study the level of knowledge, the attitude and practice to find the association between knowledge and attitude of the study subjects, and to examine the association between knowledge and practice. Results: The results revealed majority 36(72%) of the subjects mentioned that decision making regarding child’s immunization is by both the parents. Almost all of them 48(96%) reported that the source of information regarding immunization is from health care personnel. Information regarding the child’s bio social characteristics out of 50 children, majority23 (46%) of them were of 1-3 years old. Around, 15(30%) of them were between 3-5 years whereas 12(24%) of them were less than one year of age. It was quiet shocking to know that majority 40(80%) of the under five children are partially immunized. Majority 25(50%) had moderately adequate knowledge whereas 16(32%) showed adequate knowledge. About 9(18%) had inadequate knowledge regarding immunization. However, 45(90%) have favourable attitude towards immunization. On the other hand, majority 44(88%) had poor practice whereas 6(12%) demonstrated good practice about their children’s immunization. There was significant association was found between subjects’ level of knowledge and attitude while no association was found between knowledge and practice of mothers of under five children regarding immunization. Conclusion: It is very clear that the partial vaccination among under five children in Uttarakhant, India warrant special attention. The target should be the entire population, and educational programmes promoting immunization and parental motivation, accessibility, and follow-up should be instituted.