Knowledge and Perception of Interns Regarding Pneumococcal Conjugated Vaccine in a Private Medical College - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pneumonia is severe respiratory infection that is still a leading cause of death in children, particularly under five years of age. This contributes approximately 800,000 deaths globally in 2018 and in this majority of them occurs in low- and middle-income countries. This accounts an estimated 14% of all deaths in children aged 1–59 months in India as of 2015. These morbidity and mortality can be prevented through prompt administration of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which provides protection against invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD), including bacteraemia and meningitis, in addition to pneumonia.

Aims and goal:  To assess the knowledge and perception about pneumococcal conjugate vaccine among interns of a private medical college.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a private medical college, involving 147 interns selected through convenience sampling and data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Data were collected and entered MS Excel and analysed using SPSS version 23 for descriptive analysis.

Results: Among the 147 interns, 82 (56%) were female, and 65 (44%) were male. Only 41% showed good knowledge about PCV, with key areas of deficiency including awareness of the vaccination schedule and its role in immunocompromised children. 47% of the interns exhibited a positive perception of PCV, as evidenced by their agreement with statements supporting vaccine promotion and accessibility.

Conclusion: Increasing awareness and adequate knowledge will help us to promote a cheerful outlook towards PCV, and this will enable future healthcare providers to effectively educate parents and communities, thereby improving vaccination rates and reducing pneumonia-related mortality.