Peer-reviewed article
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding childhood immunization among mothers of under-five children: a hospital-based cross-sectional study from upper Assam, India
Mithun Roy, Rupam Das ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This hospital-based cross-sectional study interviewed 360 mothers of under-five children at a medical college hospital in Dibrugarh, Assam, India, between June 2015 and May 2016. Most mothers knew about immunization and had favourable attitudes towards it. Knowledge of the specific schedule was weaker, for example the correct age for measles vaccine and the number of DPT doses. About 73% of children were completely immunized, 14% partially and 12.5% not at all. The authors describe a gap between knowledge and practice and suggest schedule-specific counselling and advice during childhood illness.
Key points
- 322 of 360 mothers (89.44%) were aware of childhood immunization, most often through health facilities (40.99%).
- Only 46.67% knew the correct age for measles vaccine and 41.67% knew the number of DPT doses.
- 86.11% of mothers considered immunization important.
- 73.33% of children were completely immunized, 14.17% partially and 12.50% unimmunized.
- Child sickness (46.88%) and lack of knowledge (39.58%) were the leading reasons for incomplete immunization; lack of knowledge explained 62.38% of missed scheduled doses.
Limitations
The study was conducted at a single hospital outpatient department, so findings may not represent all mothers in upper Assam or India. The cross-sectional design relies on mothers' reports and cannot show that any factor causes incomplete immunization.
Abstract
Background: Immunization is among the most cost-effective public health interventions, but awareness does not necessarily translate into timely completion of the schedule. This study assessed mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding immunization of under-five children and factors associated with immunization status. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the pediatric outpatient department of Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, from June 2015 to May 2016. In all, 360 mothers of under-five children were interviewed using a predesigned, pretested proforma. Associations were tested using chi-square and Fisher exact tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Overall, 322 mothers (89.44%) were aware of childhood immunization, the commonest source being health facilities (40.99%). Knowledge regarding the purpose of immunization (72.78%) and the correct starting age at birth (85%) was good; however, schedule-specific knowledge was weaker, notably the correct age for measles (46.67%) and the number of DPT doses (41.67%). Attitudes were largely favourable (86.11% considered immunization important). However, only 264 children (73.33%) were completely immunized; 51 (14.17%) were partially immunized and 45 (12.50%) unimmunized. Child sickness (46.88%) and lack of knowledge (39.58%) were the leading reasons for incomplete immunization, and lack of knowledge accounted for 62.38% of missed scheduled doses. Maternal literacy was associated with immunization knowledge, and immunization status with child sex and maternal religion (p<0.05). Conclusions: A clear knowledge–practice gap was evident; awareness and attitudes were favourable, but about one in four children was incompletely immunized. Schedule-specific counselling, appropriate advice during childhood illness and reduction of access barriers may help convert favourable attitudes into timely immunization.