KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE FACTORS ON PARENTS REGARDING IMMUNIZATION: A STUDY FROM LINCOLN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE MALAYSIA

Abstract

Background:

Child immunization is a very important public health mechanism to bring down morbidity and mortality rate due to preventable infectious diseases which can be vaccinated against (VPDs).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the knowledge attitude and practice factors on parents regarding Immunization.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional Study

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present research with a cross sectional design was carried out to determine the knowledge attitude and practice factors on parents regarding Immunization. A total of 278 parents included in the study, with whom a survey represented by the questionnaire instrument and a semi-structured interview were conducted. The study setting was the Lincoln University College Malaysia. Data was collected from   the EPI department of 21 UC’S of Bahawalpur. The study completed   approximately 18 months. The study targeted population of study was the parents along with children visiting to the different EPI Centers of 21UC’S of District Bahawalpur Pakistan. The study sample was calculated by using Epi Info WHO Calculator. A questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, Attitude and Practice of parents towards vaccination. Data was entered in Spss and descriptive statistics applied on it.

RESULTS: Results in this study illustrated that the 18-28 years had 178(64.0%) participants, 40(14.3%) having age 29-39 years old, 33(11.8%) having age 40-50 years old and 27(9.7%) having age > than 50 years old. The 60(21.5%) were Male in the study who visited EPI Center and 218(78.4%) were female in the study. Of the 278 respondents, 202 (73.7%) stated they are know of the vaccination program in their area. Based on this result, it appears the vaccination program was communicated well through media, health institutions, and public channels. Public awareness is critical, as it serves as a precursor to vaccine acceptance and uptake. Based on the responses of 278 individuals, a total of 216 (77.9%) of individuals claimed that healthcare staff are communicating clear and sufficient information regarding vaccines, while 62 (22.1%) continued to indicate that the guidelines they were receiving was not sufficient. This suggests that a majority of individuals are getting enough information on the benefits, risks, and process of vaccines, and is a positive reflection of the communication on behalf of healthcare workers.

CONCLUSION:Parental knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) significantly influence childhood immunization rates. Gaps in awareness and misconceptions hinder full vaccine coverage. Positive attitudes and informed practices correlate with higher compliance. Policymakers should prioritize targeted education campaigns and accessible services. Integrating community outreach into national immunization policy can enhance uptake and protect public health.