European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF MOTHERS KNOWLEDGE REGARDING IMMUNIZATION OF THEIR CHILDREN IN URBAN AND RURAL AREA

*Abiya Jose, Ganga Sanal, Micah Susan Mathew, Navya Mariam Koshy, Dr. Jiji Alfred and
Nisha Pothen

ABSTRACT

Background: Knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding the basic health care needs of their child are pivotal for maintaining good health and creating a better future. Immunization is one of the vital components that determines the health of a child, as children during their early ages are susceptible to infectious disease because their immune system is not fully developed. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of mothers regarding vaccination and its various aspects in both urban and rural areas and to determine the impact of counselling. Methodology: Our study was an observational cross-sectional study with 300 participants of which 150 were from rural and 150 from urban locations and the study was carried out in Eraviperoor Gramapanchayath and Thiruvalla Municipality from Pathanamthitta district. Result: Compared to rural mother’s urban mothers had satisfactory knowledge on various aspects of vaccination such as; timely vaccination and its importance, VPDs, standard doses of vaccine. Conclusion: Mothers in urban areas have better knowledge regarding healthcare in terms of vaccination. But it was found with the selected group of respondents for the study that the intervention given in the form of counselling resulted in increasing the knowledge regarding the same among both groups. So proper counselling and a holistic level of support and guidance should be given to mothers, which is possible by strengthening and streamlining the existing programs designed for the same.

Keywords: Vaccine preventable diseases; Healthcare, Vaccination.