REASONS OF REFUSING POLIO VACCINATION AMONG PARENTS OF UNDER-5 YEARS CHILDREN IN DISTRICT MULTAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background and Objective: Polio is still endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In Pakistan, transmission of polio virus is high due to poor political environment and internal security threats especially in war against terrorism in Swat and FATA. Meanwhile, some groups tried to create misconception about polio vaccine. The objective of the study was to describe the reasons underpinning the refusals to polio vaccine in District Multan. Methods:- This descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted in a District Multan. A closed ended pre- tested questionnaire in Urdu language was used to collect data from 34 parents of under five year children, who refused polio vaccaniation during polio compaign. Results:- Out of 34 polio vaccine refusal parents, 15 did not respond or either locked the doors as researcher tried to interview them. About 29% refusing parents mentioned religious reasons, about 42% have apprehensions on polio vaccine contents. One third reported that it was a western world conspricy against mullims. 45% states that government vaccine supply is of poor quality, as the main factor for refusal. Conclusion: Majority of refusing parents were uncomfortable in responding to the survey or either they were never counseled for Polio and now they are habitual refusals or may be perception about polio vaccine is negative. In District Multan, religious reasons and misconception that vaccine causes sterility in male children were main reasons of polio vaccine refusal. Efforts will be required in changing the perception of parents.