Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding immunization among mothers of under-five children in Chitoor district, Andhra Pradesh

Background: Immunization is a vital public health strategy to protect children from infectious diseases, achieved through the administration of vaccines. India's universal immunization program (UIP) provides free vaccines against 11 life-threatening diseases for children under the age of five. Despite its importance, immunization coverage in many areas remains inadequate due to various factors, including limited awareness, accessibility challenges, and misconceptions. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in PHC Pedda Upparpalli, Chitoor district, Andhra Pradesh, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers with children under five regarding immunization. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect data, and scoring methods were applied to categorize knowledge levels. Results: Results indicated that while awareness of the importance of vaccination was high, knowledge regarding specific vaccines and contraindications was limited. Attitudes toward vaccination were generally positive, with mothers acknowledging its importance and safety. Most mothers exhibited good vaccination practices, with a majority following the immunization schedule. Interestingly, the study found no significant association between knowledge and sociodemographic factors except for income. This suggests that income level may influence mothers' knowledge of immunization. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of improving knowledge and addressing misconceptions surrounding immunization to achieve complete vaccination coverage. Strategies such as targeted health education and awareness campaigns are essential, especially in underserved communities. Further research on a larger scale and in different geographic settings is recommended to gain a comprehensive understanding of immunization practices in India.