KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS AMONG MOTHERS OF 12-23 MONTHS AGE CHILDREN ABOUT IMMUNIZATION IN RURALAREAS OF DISTRICT NUH

Abstract

Immunizations are generally considered the most successful and cost-effective public health intervention employed today. Vaccine is an immunebiological substance designed to produce specic protection against given disease and also stimulates the production of protective antibody and other immune mechanisms. National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) conducted during 2015-16 reported that only 13.1 % children in between the age of 12-23 months are fully immunized in district Nuh. Study aimed to determine the knowledge and awareness of mothers of 12-23 months children about immunization in rural areas of district Nuh. A cross sectional study was conducted among mothers having children aged 12-23 months in the eld practice area of SHKM government medical college, Nuh. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi structured questionnaire from 228 mothers during a period of 12 months. In the study it was found that most of the mothers (92.1%) knew about immunization. Majority (89%) took their child for immunization. Most of (94.3%) mothers knew about the immunization programmes run by government while only 32.5% mothers knew names of vaccines given to children of 1 year age. It was also found that most of (78.1%) mothers had immunization card with them. Majority (96.9%) thought that government medicines were good but only (34.6%) knew about list of vaccines. In the study it was seen that 69.3% mothers knew about importance of vaccines and (60.1%) knew about AEFI management. Awareness generation campaigns can be planned and organized periodically to improve the knowledge, awareness and practices of immunization in the community.