AWARENESS AMONG MOTHERS REGARDING CARE OF CHILD DURING PRIMARY IMMUNIZATION - AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDYIN SELECTED HEALTH FACILITY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Background: Immunization is an important event in a childs life. Awareness of mothers regarding immunization is an important factor affecting adherence to immunization. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Zonal hospital, Solan (HP) to determine effectiveness of an interventional package in terms of awareness of mothers regarding care of children during primary immunizations. Apre-test post-test control group design was used to achieve the objective. Seventy five mothers were enrolled in interventional and control group using systematic random sampling and followed on every immunization event until nine months. Awareness among mothers was assessed at immunization events namely birth, six weeks and nine months using a self-structured tool to assess vaccine related problems among children. Results: Significant increase in the awareness level was seen among mothers in the interventional group and was found associated with their number of children. Conclusion: The interventional package significantly increased awareness among mothers in the intervention group in the initial weeks.