MATERNAL VACCINATION BEHAVIORS, ATTITUDES, AND KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL RESEARCH CONDUCTED IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Objective: to evaluate mothers’ vaccination habits, attitudes, and knowledge about immunizing a one-year-old childat Department of Pediatrics, Peoples university of Medical Health Sciences Nawab Shah KarachiStudy Design: A Cross-sectional StudyPlace and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Peoples university ofMedical Health Sciences NawabShah from 05- July 2022 to 05- Dec- 2022Materials and Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, all mothers of children under a year old werequestioned about their vaccination practices, attitudes, and knowledge. Version 21 of the SPSS programme was usedto enter and analyse the data obtained through a questionnaire.Results: The study found significant differences in maternal knowledge of EPIs, particularly in low-income andilliterate communities. 80% initiated their child’s vaccination program and 30.4% had inadequate vaccination. Higherlevels of education are associated with socioeconomic status and better advocacy practices. Common reasons for lateattendance included difficulty understanding policies and the absence of physicians. Medical professionals served as theprimary source of information, and parents generally expressed positive attitudes towards vaccinations, although someconsidered vaccinations unnecessary for minor illnesses meaning no exposure in focused efforts to address knowledgegaps and increase vaccine coverage, potentially reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.Conclusion: Our mothers’ strong positive attitudes and sparse vaccination practices were found to be associated withpoor vaccination knowledge.Keywords: Vaccination practices, Mothers ,Attitudes, Immunization