Maternal Vaccination Behaviors, Attitudes, And Knowledge Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Original Article

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate mothers’ vaccination habits, attitudes, and knowledge about immunising a one-year-old child
Department of Paediatrics, Peoples university of Medical Health Sciences, Nawab Shah Karachi
Study Design: A Cross-sectional Study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Peoples university of Medical Health Sciences, Nawab Shah, from uly 5,  2022, to December 5, 2022
Materials and Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, all mothers of children under a year old were questioned about their vaccination practices, attitudes, and knowledge. Version 21 of the SPSS programme was used to enter and analyse the data obtained through a questionnaire.
Results: The study found significant differences in maternal knowledge of EPIs, particularly in low-income and illiterate communities. 80% initiated their child’s vaccination programme, and 30.4% had inadequate vaccination. Higher levels of education are associated with socioeconomic status and better advocacy practices. Common reasons for late attendance included difficulty understanding policies and the absence of physicians. Medical professionals served as the primary source of information, and parents generally expressed positive attitudes towards vaccinations, although some
considered vaccinations unnecessary for minor illnesses, meaning no exposure in focused efforts to address knowledge
gaps and increase vaccine coverage, potentially reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.
Conclusion: Our mothers’ strong positive attitudes and sparse vaccination practices were found to be associated with poor vaccination knowledge.
Keywords: Vaccination practices, mothers, attitudes, immunity