Publication:

Awareness and attitude towards routine immunization of children aged 12-23 months among migrant workers in Southern Karnataka: a community based cross-sectional study

Background Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for preventing childhood morbidity and mortality.  The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of parents towards routine immunization of children aged 12-23 months among migrant workers and to determine the correlation between knowledge and attitude scores.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 parents/guardians of migrant children aged 12-23 months in an urban area of Southern District of Karnataka. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and attitude towards routine immunization. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for analysis.

Results Awareness regarding routine immunization was found in 99.2% of parents and 97.2% believing that immunization protects children from diseases. However, substantial misconceptions were observed regarding contraindications to vaccination, as 67.8% considered common cold, 79.6% diarrhoea, and 87.2% fever as contraindications. Most parents expressed a favorable attitude, with 95.0% agreeing that immunization is safe and necessary. The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among parents of fully immunized children compared to partially immunized children (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude scores (r=0.38, p<0.001).

Conclusions Despite high awareness and positive attitudes towards routine immunization among migrant parents in urban Mysuru, critical knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist, particularly regarding vaccine contraindications. Strengthening targeted health education and behavior change communication through frontline health workers is essential to translate favorable attitudes into informed and sustained immunization practices.