Childhood immunisation knowledge and timeliness among caregivers of children 0-5 years, attending immunisation clinic of a medical college in West Bengal

Authors

  • Suman Das Department of Community Medicine, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India
  • Tapas K. Sarkar Department of Community Medicine, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India
  • Nirmal K. Mandal Department of Community Medicine, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20203012

Keywords:

Childhood immunisation, Knowledge, Timeliness

Abstract

Background: Routine Immunization among children ensures nationally scheduled regular administration of vaccine dosages to infants at specified ages. Unequivocal knowledge and perceptions are essential at individual as well as community level about vaccinations throughout the country to achieve high immunisation coverage. Besides appropriate timeliness regarding childhood immunisation is also desirable. Present study was planned to assess knowledge and timeliness regarding childhood immunization among the caregivers as well as associated factors in relation to their current practice, if any.

Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted at immunisation clinic of a Medical College. Considering 73% of parents were with good knowledge about immunization from previous study, sample size was calculated as 158. The data was collected administering a pre-designed, pre-tested schedule; in every visit at least 26 study subjects were selected in first-come-first basis after applying exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were applied.

Results: Majority of the children (53.2%) were female and 1st baby in term of birth order (71.5%). Knowledge regarding certain aspects of immunization was reported varied from 95% (Pulse Polio should be given besides routine immunisation) to as low as 36.1% (vaccines can be given in minor illness). Overall, seven children (4.4%) missed their age appropriate immunisation and 38.6% of children was immunised in last quartile. Child immunisation in last quartile was found significantly associated with socioeconomic class (p=0.018) and occupation (p=0.019) of caregivers.

Conclusions: Knowledge about certain aspects of childhood immunisation among caregivers was not satisfactory. Inappropriate timeliness regarding immunisation was noted in substantial portion of children.

 

Author Biography

Suman Das, Department of Community Medicine, Malda Medical College, Malda, West Bengal, India

Community Medicine, Senior Resident

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Published

2020-06-26

How to Cite

Das, S., Sarkar, T. K., & Mandal, N. K. (2020). Childhood immunisation knowledge and timeliness among caregivers of children 0-5 years, attending immunisation clinic of a medical college in West Bengal. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 7(7), 2764–2769. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20203012

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Original Research Articles