IMPACT OF PHARMACIST PROVIDED EDUCATION REGARDING AWARENESS OF CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

Background: Vaccines have thrived as one of the most successful health interventions that have diminished occurrence of infectious diseases and improved quality of life in the population. Although the vaccination coverage has been gradually increasing, the average total immunization coverage is far less than the desired outcome. Parental decisions regarding vaccination are very vital for increasing the vaccination rate and parent compliance to the immunization schedule. Aim: The aim of our study was to determine the impact of pharmacist provided education regarding awareness of childhood immunization among pregnant women. Objective: 1. To assess the awareness, attitude and practice of pregnant mothers on child’s immunization and to know the factors affecting the completeness of vaccination and coverage. 2. To assess the immunization status of the children. 3. Improving childhood vaccination coverage and timeline is the key health policy objective in many developing countries. Methodology: A prospective hospital based interventional study was carried out among the pregnant woman in Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, Karnataka. The study has been conducted for a period of six months. The data were collected using data collection form and pre-designed questionnaire which included awareness, attitude and practice-based questions. A baseline score has been collected after conducting a pretest on pregnant women visiting OBGYN (inpatient and outpatient) department. After a period of one-month post test was conducted and the scores were obtained. The pre and post test scores were compared and analyzed using t-test and ANOVA test. Result: Out of 302 pregnant women surveyed, the knowledge score of pre-tests was 22.5%, whereas post-test score was 76.5%. The attitude score of pre-tests was 32.9%, whereas post test score was 87.7% respectively. This shows a clear indication of improvement, followed by education, the practice score of pre-tests was 30.1% and post-test score was 79.4%. Conclusion: Although majority of pregnant women had satisfactory knowledge and positive attitude and practice towards immunization, certain factors (education status) plays a major impact in vaccination uptake. Hence efforts should be focused on improving their practice.