Publication:

Bridging the gap: parental knowledge and attitude towards pneumococcal disease and vaccine among children under five: a cross-sectional study in Nagpur, India

Background Pneumococcal infection is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death among children under five, particularly in developing countries. Pneumonia accounted for 14% of all deaths among children under five in India, with an estimated 740,180 fatalities in 2019. Although pneumonia is vaccine-preventable, low awareness and knowledge hinder access to immunisation. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of parents toward pneumococcal disease and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) among children under five attending the immunisation clinic of Government Medical College, Nagpur.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 among 340 parents/guardians of children under five who visited the immunisation clinic using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews, covering demographic details, awareness of pneumococcal disease and knowledge and attitudes regarding PCV. Data were summarised using frequencies and percentages.

Results Among the participants, 37.7% were aged 26–30 years and 33.8% had attained a graduate degree or higher. Awareness of pneumococcal disease was reported by 85.6% of parents/guardians; however, knowledge of the pneumococcal vaccine and its benefits was limited. The main reason for non-vaccination among children was unavailability of the vaccine at health facilities.

Conclusions While general awareness of pneumococcal disease was relatively high among parents, understanding of the PCV and its importance was inadequate. Strengthening parental education and ensuring consistent vaccine availability at health facilities are essential to improve PCV coverage and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality from pneumonia.