A Study of the Attitude of Mothers of Under Five Children and the Field Staff working in a Rural area of Goa towards Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme

Dr Shreya S. Lotliker; Dr Amit Dias; Dr Annet Oliviera

Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2017

A Study of the Attitude of Mothers of Under Five Children and the Field Staff working in a Rural area of Goa towards Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme

Dr Shreya S. Lotliker, Dr Amit Dias, Dr Annet Oliviera

Abstract :

Background: The burden of poliomyelitis has reduced drastically and India is no longer counted in the list of polio endemic countries, this major milestone was achieved through strong Universal immunisation and Pulse Polio Immunisation (PPI) programme. However, attitudes of the community play an important role in the smooth implementation of the programme. There is a threat of importing wild polio virus from neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan and hence we need to be more vigilant in understanding the shortcomings of the programme and tackle them at the earliest. Hence, the present study was carried out. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for a period of three months at rural health and training centre in Goa. Mothers of under–five children attending OPD were randomly selected interviewed using a questionnaire. In depth interview was conducted in field staff workers involved in the implementation of PPI programme to assess their attitude towards the programme. Results: Out of 100 mothers interviewed 86 % had heard about the disease poliomyelitis and 70% were aware about the symptoms of the disease.76% knew that the disease is preventable but 37 % were under misconception that polio is curable disease. With regards to knowledge and awareness about polio vaccine, it was seen that 85% had heard about the vaccine and 40% were aware about its side effects. 65% were of the opinion that it is necessary to take the vaccine from both the PPI rounds and 66% said that it is necessary in addition to routine immunisation. Media was found to be primary source of information about PPI (44 %). The awareness level was significantly associated with the educational status and socioeconomic status (p value < 0.001). Conclusions: The Study participants (mothers) were aware about Polio and PPI programme but 37 % have misconception that it is curable. Field staff workers are motivated but there are some issues regarding transport facility, lack of manpower. Anganwadi workers have stopped participating in mop–up but rest of the health staff is of the opinion that their participation is important.