A Prospective Observational Study To Assess The Knowledge, Attitude And Perception Of Mothers On Child Immunization Programme In Mangalore

Immunization is essential for public health, effectively reducing illness and death from Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs). In order to raise public awareness of the advantages of vaccination, this study sought to determine the knowledge, attitude, perception and its influence on immunization status. A prospective observational study was conducted in Mangalore in which a total of 161 mothers with children under five-year-old were included in the study. The knowledge, attitude and perception affecting immunization status were examined using a pre-validated questionnaire. Out of 161 participants, 31.6% had good knowledge, 8% had positive attitude and 24.2% had positive perception on immunization programme. There was a significant (p<0.05) correlation found among the 41% of mothers who stated that their children had delayed vaccinations, 75.7% had inadequate knowledge, 95.5% had a negative attitude, and 81.81% had poor perception. Moreover, the study showed that education and employment status of mother were significant factors affecting immunization status. Therefore, to increase the vaccination rates and enhance the overall health of future generations, health care providers should educate by using patient information leaflet (PIL), follow immunization cards, utilize vaccination date reminders and communicate promptly with mothers to improve the knowledge, attitude and perception regarding the immunization program and address the other factors that may limit the vaccination rate.