Awareness Level about Immunization Programme in Low Socio Economic Families at Rural Sectors of Purba and Paschim Medinipore Districts, West Bengal: A Cross Sectional Study

To find out the awareness level of family members about routine immunization of under five children at rural sectors of Purba and Paschim Medinipore districts, West Bengal. Approach has also been taken to find out whether there is any variation in the coverage of vaccination between male and female children. In this cross sectional study, five hundred children were covered. Low economic homogeneous groups were randomly studied by pretested semi-open ended questionnaire method. Data about immunization coverage of 590 children were collected from the age group of 1+ to 5+ years. The final result was analyzed by Chi-square test and P-value was expressed through various bars, pie diagrams and tables. Out of 590 children male and female children were 355 (60 %) and 235 (40 %). Out of three hundred fifty five male children full, partially and non-immunized children were 200 (56 %), 120 (34 %) and 35 (10 %). Out of two hundred thirty five female children full, partially and non-immunized children were 55 (23 %), 125 (53 %) and 55 (24 %). Mothers were found more aware in this concern than other family members. In remote areas, Anganwadi (AWW) or ASHA workers play important role about the dissemination of knowledge. Out of 590 children, ICDS supported children were 395 (67 %) and non-supported were 195 (33 %). Percentage of full immunization was found low in SC, ST and OBC caste than general Caste. Similarly it was found more in service holder group than other occupational groups as well as in the small family in respect to big family size. Location of PHC has also an immense role for the completion of vaccination. Some factors i. e. the literacy level, knowledge level regarding immunization, site of vaccination, social and geographical barriers about vaccination, existence of ICDS center etc. has an important impact on the awareness level of vaccination. The trend of full vaccination in the said age group is more in male children than female children.