Immunization Perception and Awareness among Mothers Attending OPD of a Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Immunization plays tremendous role in significant reduction of childhood morbidity and mortality. For this, the World Health Organization introduced EPI. Unfortunately, this goal is not achieved yet. This study was aimed to assess immunization perception and awareness among mothers attending OPD of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. We included 200 mothers <50 years of age, visiting Civil Hospital Karachi during December 2015–January 2016 using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Results: Of these, 64 (32.0%) were 26–30 years old. Majority 119 (59.5%) had no formal education, but 187 (93.5%) had awareness about EPI. Among them, 179 (89.5%) considered EPI advantageous for health, 20 (10.0%) assumed neither advantageous nor harmful, 1 (0.5%) considered hazardous for health by assuming vaccines have a contraceptive effect, and they aggravate illness in a child). However, 176 mothers recently had kids <5 years old. Of these, 129 (64.5%) were fully vaccinated kids, 56 (28.0%) were partially vaccinated while 15 (7.5%) were non-vaccinated. Only 144 (72.0%) mothers were vaccinated against tetanus during pregnancy. Most common reason for vaccine refusal in non-vaccinated children was lack of awareness (47.8%). Awareness about EPI was statistically related (P < 0.05) with the immunization status of children and also with the age of the mother, socioeconomic status, and residence. Immunization of child and antenatal immunization of mother were also associated. Conclusions: Vaccination coverage was suboptimal. Still, a few mothers had no awareness about EPI, and their kids were nonvaccinated while others remained partially vaccinated. Emphasizing to conduct awareness programs is the hour’s need. Mother’s should be counseled regarding timely vaccination, and their queries must be addressed. EPI should be offered at doorsteps as a solution for geographical hindrance.