ASSESSMENT OF MOTHERS' KNOWLEDGE REGARDING IMMUNIZATION OF CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS

A ZAIB; QUA ANJUM; G ANWAR; H SADDIQUE; I YASIN

doi:10.54112/pjicm.v6i01.238

Authors

A ZAIB Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
QUA ANJUM Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
G ANWAR Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
H SADDIQUE Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
I YASIN Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/pjicm.v6i01.238

Keywords:

Childhood Immunization, Maternal Knowledge, Vaccination, Under-Five Children

Abstract

Background: Childhood immunization is among the most effective public health interventions for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. Maternal knowledge substantially influences the timely uptake and completion of routine childhood vaccination. In Pakistan, inadequate awareness and persistent misconceptions about vaccine safety and contraindications may contribute to suboptimal immunization practices. Objective: To assess mothers’ knowledge regarding immunization of children under five years of age. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: Ittefaq Hospital Trust, Lahore, Pakistan. Duration of Study: March 2025 to August 2025. Methods: A total of 153 mothers with children under five years of age were enrolled through convenience sampling. Data were collected using an adopted and translated structured questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics and 13 knowledge-based items related to childhood immunization. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were computed as frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Knowledge was categorized as low, average, or high based on predefined scoring criteria. Results: Among 153 participants, the mean age was 30.4 ± 6.8 years, and most mothers were aged 26–35 years (58.2%). The majority were married (90.2%), while 41.8% had a bachelor 's-level education. Overall, 69 (45.1%) mothers had low knowledge, 56 (36.6%) had average knowledge, and 28 (18.3%) had high knowledge regarding childhood immunization. Although most participants acknowledged the importance of vaccination and its protective role against infectious diseases, notable misconceptions persisted regarding vaccine contraindications and safety. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge regarding childhood immunization was suboptimal, with most mothers demonstrating low to average knowledge. Targeted health education and clearer communication by healthcare professionals may improve maternal awareness and support better immunization coverage in children.

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