Parent’s Knowledge and attitude towards the newly introduced IPV vaccine in capital region of India

Akanksha Rathi; Pragya Sharma; Suneela Garg

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2017

Parent’s Knowledge and attitude towards the newly introduced IPV vaccine in capital region of India

Akanksha Rathi, Pragya Sharma, Suneela Garg

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: Over the last many years, a number of new childhood vaccines have been introduced into national immunization schedules of various countries. One factor that determines the smooth conduction of any immunization program in the wake of introduction of a new vaccine is the knowledge and attitude of parents of the target infant population. No study has been done in north India to know the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of parents/caregivers of the children towards the newly introduced Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV). AIM OF STUDY: This study was conducted with an aim to know the gap in KAP of respondents towards introduction of IPV vaccine. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross–sectional study done in a healthcare center of east Delhi on immunization days. RESULTS: Out of the total 71 infants included in the study, 35 (49.3%) were males. When asked about the knowledge of national immunization schedule, 41(57.7%) said that they are aware of the schedule while 42.3% revealed about not knowing about the whole schedule. When asked about the role of Oral Polio Virus (OPV) vaccine in the development of the child, only 49 (69%) respondents knew that the drops were given to prevent polio. When asked about the current immunization session, only 20 (28.1%) respondents knew that their child has been given 3 injections, 23 (32.4%) did not know the number of injections given and the rest gave wrong answers. Though majority (n=50, 70.4%) knew that a new vaccine has been administered to the child, only 82% of those knew that it was for prevention of polio. Sixteen (22.5%) respondents revealed that the healthcare provider has not given them any information about the new vaccine. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that though the attitude of parents towards immunization is majorly positive but the knowledge is lacking.