Abstract

A COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTION STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF MOTHERS ON CHILD IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMME IN MANGALORE

Ramakrishna Shabaraya A., Nahala* and Sudhamshu K. Tantry

ABSTRACT

Immunization is essential for public health, effectively reducing illness and death from Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs). It is the most economical method of preventing illness and gives patients’ enhanced defense against certain bacteria and viruses. In terms of their children's immunization, mothers play a crucial role. This study aims to evaluate mothers of children under five years old in terms of their knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The primary goal is to evaluate mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding childhood Routine Immunization (RI) and measure the intervention's impact on improving their understanding. The study involved 161 mothers of children under 5 years of age and residing in Mangalore. Using pre-validated questionnaire, scores of knowledge, attitude and perception of the participating mothers were measured. Out of the 161 participants, pre-data shows only (31.6%) mothers had good knowledge, (8%) had positive attitude and (24.2%) had positive perception on Routine Immunization. An intervention was provided through Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) using easily understandable language. After 4 weeks, the post data shows a significant increase in the knowledge (68.3%), positive attitude (25.5%), and positive perception (65.2%) of mothers about childhood immunization compared to the pre-intervention data (p<0.05). The present study concludes that knowledge, attitude and perception among mothers of children under 5 years of age on RI was found to be poor. Information dissemination through Patient Information Leaflets (PIL), promoting the use of immunization cards, employing reminders for vaccination dates, and encouraging communication with healthcare professionals can enhance vaccination rates, ultimately benefiting the health of future generations.

Keywords: Vaccine Preventable Disease, Routine Immunization, Patient Information Leaflet, Immunization Card.