Evaluation of Knowledge of routine immunization among rural High school children in Karnataka: Pre and Post intervention study

Context: Immunization is essential for preventing both acute and long-term infectious illnesses. The decision-makers for children’s vaccinations in the future are adolescents. Because vaccinations decrease morbidity and mortality for both the vaccinated individual and their family throughout life, it is imperative that teenagers be educated about the dangers associated with vaccine-preventable diseases and the safety of vaccinations. Aim: To assess student’s knowledge about routine immunization among rural high school children in Sathnur village, Kanakpura Taluk. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the convenience sampling technique. Methodology: The data was collected using a pre validated questionnaire to assess the knowledge and perception of risk responses from the participants. Sociodemographic details were also included in the questionnaire, and it was administered on the same day before and after delivering an education session. Students were asked to respond to questions where 1 indicates disagree, 2 indicates neutral, and 3 indicates agree. Statistical analysis: Descriptive and analytical statistics were done. McNemar and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to test for differences between pre- and post responses. Results: A statistically significant association was noted (p value <0.005) about immunizations and the diseases they prevent with an increase in the score. Students’ perception of vaccine safety also improved after the intervention (P <0.01). Conclusions: There was an increased confidence in students in having an opinion about vaccine preventable diseases and immunization following the intervention.