Knowledge and Practice of Parents on Childhood Immunization of Mushar Community in Morang district, Nepal

Abstract

Background: A wide array of factors influence the immunization of Nepalese children but by far the most important factor is parent's beliefs, attitudes and perception of immunization. Thus the primary aim of this research is to find and achieve a deeper understanding of beliefs, attitudes and practices of parents concerning the immunization of their children health. Methods: This study was carried out at 12 VDCs of Mushar community in Morang district, Nepal. Four hundred and three sample respondents were selected randomly to assess the level of knowledge and practice on immunization. Based on the objectives and variables of the study; tools were selected and two different interview schedules characterized by focus group discussion guidelines, and face to face interview schedules were developed for data collection. Data were taken primarily by using pre-tested questionnaire with closed, semi-closed and opened questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by using the software SPSS 12.0 with the help of biostatistician. Results: Of those surveyed, 53.3% male and 58.1 % female respondents reported being immunized. This percentage remarkably increased in their children immunization practice and 92.3% male and 94.0 % female respondents reported that all of their children were immunized, and 7.7% male and 6% female stated that none of their children were immunized. In addition, those parents with low levels of education were more likely to have higher immunization rates. Furthermore, qualitative findings indicated that parents reported benefits of immunizing children that appeared to be a major reason for their children’s immunization. Conclusions: Parents who have lived in city area like Biratnagar municipality may be at greater risk of not being immunized against vaccine preventable diseases and that health education interventions in this community may be more effective if they are focused on perceived benefits of immunization in the future intervention efforts. Keywords: childhood immunization; knowledge; mushar community; practice.