THE ATTITUDE OF PARENTS REGARDING THEIR CHILD IMMUNIZATION IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Background: Many parents harbor negative views about vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) and hold misunderstandings about the ingredients, side effects, and efficacy of vaccines. The resurgence of diseases preventable by vaccines was believed to be primarily due to insufficient childhood vaccination practices. The study aimed to assess parental attitude towards their children's vaccinations. Methods: The present study is a multi-centered, cross sectional observational study to evaluate the attitude of the parents regarding their child immunization in Lahore, Pakistan. Quantitative research methodology involving validated questionnaires and research tools were utilized in order to evaluate the attitude of the parents regarding their child immunization. A total of 353 parents belonging to urban and rural areas of Lahore having children of different ages were recruited for the present study. Results: Out of 353 parents surveyed, majority of the study subject were mothers (56.1%) with age 25-29 years (30%). Majority of the parents (70.3%) were observed to have negative attitude while only 29.7% of the respondents presented positive attitude at baseline. It is observed that the occupation, no of children, residency, living class and health care providers in respondent family shows highly significant statistical association (p<0.001) with patient attitude regarding their child immunization. Conclusions: The present study concludes that the parents showing negative attitude do not get their children vaccinated. They feel that it is a formality and they find it hectic to take their children to vaccination centers for immunizations. The immunization status was also significantly influenced by sociodemographic factors. In order to achieve positive attitude, efforts should be made to tell them benefits of vaccination and by changing their thinking about side effects of vaccine by educating them about the beneficial effects of vaccines and its safety. Peer Review History: Received 8 July 2024; Reviewed 15 September 2024; Accepted 26 October; Available online 15 November 2024 Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, [email protected] Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, [email protected] Dr. Sheikh Abdul Khaliq, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, [email protected]