Knowledge of Parents Regarding Polio Vaccination in Unvaccinated Children Less than 5 Years of Age: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of parents regarding polio vaccination in unvaccinated children less than 5 years of age. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana Pakistan from February 2018 till August 2018 Methodology:  All parents of unvaccinated children of either gender with ages from 2 months to less than 5 years of age visiting the hospital outpatient department for any reason were included in the study. Information about the OPV immunization status, demographics, education of the family earner, occupation and income, accessibility of vaccination center in terms of distance, the behavior of immunization staff, parents' views regarding vaccines were recorded. Questions were asked about the vaccination schedule. Results: Mean age of the child and respondent’s age was 2.96 ±0.89 years and 31.40 ±3.96 years respectively. Male preponderance was found to be higher 146 (63.50%). Adequate knowledge about polio was found in 58 (25.20%) parents. Conclusion: The Knowledge of parents regarding polio vaccination was found unsatisfactory in unvaccinated children less than 5 years of age.