ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS LEVEL ON PULSE POLIO IMMUNIZATION AMONG CARETAKERS OF CHILDREN IN URBAN BENGALURU

Abstract

Introduction: Poliomyelitis, listed in the top 20 communicable diseases, is a highly contagious disease that mainly
affects the central nervous system leading to paralysis. Lack of awareness and misconceptions may prevent the
acceptance of this programme. Therefore, this study aims at assessing the knowledge, awareness level on pulse polio
immunization among caretakers of children. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken using semiopened questionnaire to collect the responses and each response to the questionnaire was given points, allowing for
the computation of total scores and subsequent categorization of participants' levels of awareness into well,
moderately, and poorly aware. The Chi-square test was employed to determine statistical significance. Results: 35%
of the participants came to know about this PPI program through public banners, 27% through friends and family.
68.07% of the participants had the misconception that the polio vaccine should not be given to children with mild
illness and 24.5% of the participants had misbelieved that the polio vaccine can prevent other diseases. Two third of
them (62.2%) did not know that polio is a communicable disease. Graduates were accountable for 54.61% (71/130)
of participants who were well aware of this programme and it was significant (χ2 =11.36, DF=7, P=0.043). The
mothers had more awareness than the fathers (45.6% vs 41.07%, P=0.426). conclusion: Though India was declared a
polio-free country, more than half of the participants in our study unaware that polio is a communicable disease and
transmits through food and water. The dangerous misconception that two-third of them believed that the polio vaccine
should not be given if children had a mild illness. Health care professionals, particularly local leaders, should be
actively involved in dispelling popular myths and beliefs to keep up our India free of polio.