Do Maternal Knowledge and Attitudes towards Childhood Immunizations in Rural Uganda Correlate with Complete Childhood Vaccination?

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150131
• Publication Date: 2016-02-26T18:43:37Z
• Authors: Bryan J. Vonasek; Francis Bajunirwe; Laura E. Jacobson; Leonidas Twesigye; James Dahm; Monica J. Grant; Ajay K. Sethi; James H. Conway
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

Improving childhood vaccination coverage and timeliness is a key health policy objective in many developing countries such as Uganda. Of the factors known to influence uptake of immunizations under resourced settings, parents' understanding perception has largely been overlooked. The aims this study were survey mothers' knowledge attitudes towards then determine if these variables correlate with timely their children. From September December 2013, we conducted cross-sectional 1,000 parous women rural Sheema district southwest collected socio-demographic data immunizations. For at least one child between age month five years who also had card available for (N = 302), status was assessed. 88% children received age-appropriate, on-time 93.5% able state that protect from diseases. not point out significantly more likely have an under-vaccinated (PR 1.354: 95% CI 1.018–1.802). When asked why rates may be low community, two most common responses "fearful side effects" "ignorance/disinterest/laziness" (44% each). influencing caregivers' demand vary widely between, within, countries. Research elucidates local attitudes, like study, allows decisions pertaining programs effective improving rates.