A KAP STUDY ON AWARENESS OF IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN UPTO THE AGE OF 5 YEARS VISITING IMMUNIZATION CLINIC AT TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL OF VADODARA, GUJARAT

Introduction: Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective child survival (especially 0-5 years) interventions practiced throughout the world. Parental awareness and decisions regarding immunization are essential for increasing the rate of immunization and compliance. This study is conducted to know the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of parents regarding their understanding of immunization in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material &Methods: This study was an observational, cross - sectional study, carried out at immunization clinic at tertiary care teaching hospital. In this study parents of children upto age of 5 years were included. Study was carried over a period of one and a half month with pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire in regional languages for their easy understanding. Result: At the end of study duration, a total of 215 participants were included in the study. Out of them 78.6% were aware that vaccines are mainly used for prevention of diseases. 87% of study participants felt that vaccines are beneficial for their children. Because of awareness only 10.7% delayed childÂ's vaccination for reasons other than illness or allergy. Conclusion: From our study we concluded that irrespective of parentsÂ' education, due to the role of health care workers in rural areas, parents had equal awareness of immunization. Furthermore, with continuous efforts of healthcare workers working in rural areas and those present at immunization clinic, 100% awareness can be achieved regarding immunization.