Publication

Abstract : Background : Immunization is one of the global strategies for prevention of several infectious diseases. It is also recognized to be one of the best strategies for ensuring child health. The vaccines are the lifesaving protective measures, which shield children from dangerous life threatening conditions. objectives : The objectives of the study were to identify the level of awareness on immunization among mothers of children and its association with selected demographic variables. Materials and Method : From September 2016 to May 2017, a descriptive study was conducted among 100 mothers of children from northern Kerala. The sample size was calculated to be 100. The study tool used was a semi structured questionnaire regarding awareness on immunization and socio demographic characteristics. Results : Among 100 mothers, 20 percent had poor awareness, 68 percent had average and 12 percent had good awareness regarding imunization. There is significant association between awareness on immunization and mother's education. Among the subjects, 59 were not educated upto graduate level. In these mothers only (3%) having good awareness related to immunization. Conclusion : Majority of mothers only had average level awareness on immunization. So, there is a need to arrange mass awareness campaigns for mothers of children especially in the community area with main emphasis on importance of immunization. The study results also recommend for the periodic assessment of immunization rate and the use of educational programmes to improve the immunization rate, knowledge and practice.