Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Immunization Among Parents of Children (

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers on immunization of children in urban slums of Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, India.

Methods: A community based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban slums of in the urban slums of Bhubaneswar city, India. A total of 300 children in the age group of 0 to 120 months were included in the study. Study conducted by the Department of Paediatrics, IMS AND SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar in urban slums around the college. The study was conducted during a period of 12 months.

Results: Majority of mothers (58%) were in a group 21-25 years. 80% had delivery in health care facility.138 (46 %) mothers were illiterate, 44% educated till secondary school. Pre-college and graduate were 2.66% and 1.34% respectively. 228 (76%) of mothers were housewives, and 15% worked on daily wages, 9% were employed. Most of the participants belonged to stage 4 (55%) followed by stage 2 (20%) according to socio-economic status B.G. Prasad classification. The most common source of information regarding immunization status was provided by health care workers i.e. 40% (120), followed by family/relatives 35% (105) and then 16% (48) was given by doctors. Neighbors contributed only 4.34% (13) and there were cases i.e. 2% where no one was there to provide the required information regarding immunization status of children. Regarding the vaccine specific data of children aged 0-2 years, Out of 300 children, maximum coverage was seen in BCG vaccine i.e. 75.92% followed by DPT1 i.e. 69.23%, OPV1 60%, Hepatitis B1 60%.

Conclusion: Immunization coverage in the urban slums of Bhubaneswar city is unfortunately still very low compared to national and international standards. A lack of awareness and motivation among the parents is the main reason for this discoursing scenario that needs to be sorted quickly as a priority basis