KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS REGARDING INFANT VACCINATION, ATTENDING DHQ HOSPITAL KOTLI, AZAD KASHMIR

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Immunization is the most successful component of preventive medicine. Prevention of diseases is the need of the day. Previous studies show that there are several reasons for inadequate immunization coverage in Pakistan. Factors such as knowledge, attitude and practices of parents are also known to contribute to success or failure of immunization program . Worldwide many studies have reported on mother’s knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding children immunization .These studies showed that successful immunization depends on parent’s positive attitude and knowledge. This study was conducted to assess knowledge and practice towards immunization among mothers of one year old children attending the EPI vaccination centre at DHQ Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir. 
METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among mothers having one year old children at EPI vaccination centre at DHQ Hospital Kotli, Azad Kashmir from 1st November 2010 to 1st January 2011. A sample size of 202 was obtained through systematic random sampling technique. All mothers having less than one year old child were interviewed through a semi structured questionnaire regarding immunization knowledge, attitude and practices. Data was collected through a questionnaire entered and analyzed by using SPSS program version 17.0. 
RESULTS:157 (77.7%) of all mothers were house wives. 130(64.35%) of study participants were unaware about any disease of childhood immunization. Television and health facility were the main source of information. 
CONCLUSION: The knowledge of mothers about vaccination was found inadequate with strong positive attitude. 
KEYWORDS: Azad Kashmir, EPI, Mothers Knowledge, Attitude.