Knowledge, Attitude and Practice - Regarding EPI among Parents attending Paediatric Outdoor, Nishtar Hospital Multan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) 
among parents attending Paediatric Department, Nishtar Hospital, Multan.  
Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. 
Place and Duration of Study:  This study was carried out among the parents attending Paediatric Medicine & 
Paediatric Surgery out patients Departments, Nishtar Hospital, Multan for the treatment of their children during the 
month of September, 2011. 
Materials and Method: Two hundred & sixty parents were selected by convenient sampling and surveyed with a 
self reported questionnaire comprising of questions regarding knowledge attitude and practice about EPI. Data 
gathered was analyzed and results were obtained to make table.  
Results: Among 260 parents interviewed, 40 (15.4 %) were male & 220 (84.6 %) were female. 258 (99.2 %) had 
knowledge about EPI and only 2 (0.8 %) had not. According to 242 (93.1 %) EPI was beneficial, while 18 (6.9%) 
thought it to be non beneficial. Children of 195 (75 %) parents were fully immunized. 40 (15.38 %) were partially 
immunized and 25 (9.62 %) were not immunized at all. 158 (60.8 %) parents were educated and 102 (39.2 %) were 
illiterate. Out of 260 parents, 214 (82.3%) reported fever / rash / itching as a result of vaccination, while 46 (17.7%) 
were not. Majority of the parents belong to middle class i.e. 137(52.7 %) while 46    (17.7 %) rich class and 77 (29.6 
%) to the lower class.  
Conclusion: We conclude that there is a significant difference in the knowledge of the parents. Majority of the 
parents had awareness about EPI. Middle class has greater attitude to get immunized their children as compared to 
poor and rich class. Our study demonstrates the importance of education in the practice of vaccination of the 
children.