POTENTIAL BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS OF POLIO VACCINATION AMONG PARENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF RAWALPINDI.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Poliomyelitis continues to be a critical public health challenge in Pakistan, despite decades of global eradication efforts. In addition to systemic gaps, the prevalence of cultural misconceptions, religious skepticism, and pandemic-related disruptions have hindered vaccine acceptance. The COVID-19 pandemic further interrupted immunization campaigns, leaving millions of children unvaccinated and contributing to a resurgence of cases. Understanding the determinants that influence parental decision-making is crucial to eliminating polio transmission in endemic regions such as Rawalpindi. Objective: To identify the key barriers and facilitators affecting parental decisions regarding polio vaccination in a tertiary care setting in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2024 at the Pediatric Department of Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Parents of children aged 0–5 years visiting the outpatient department were recruited using convenience sampling. From a total of 120 eligible parents, 92 consented to participate, and 87 were included in the final analysis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, vaccination status, beliefs, and barriers. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis with SPSS version 27. Results: Among the 87 respondents, 54% were male and 46% female, with 48.3% aged 30–39 years. A total of 85.1% reported that their child had received the polio vaccine. Key facilitators included healthcare provider recommendations (92%), school admission requirements (93.1%), and proximity to vaccination centers (89.7%). Significant barriers included needle fear in children (66.7%), concerns about multiple doses (64.4%), and distant vaccination sites (39.1%). A statistically significant association was observed between education level and the belief in the need for more public awareness (χ² = 11.755, p = 0.019). Conclusion: This study highlights the multifactorial nature of polio vaccine acceptance among parents in Rawalpindi. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of vaccination campaigns. To achieve eradication goals, public health initiatives must prioritize tailored awareness strategies, accessibility, and culturally sensitive interventions.