Factors Influencing Parental Practices Regarding Childhood Immunization in Lahore, Pakistan
Sara Shahid
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Hamda Shakir
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Maryam Ayesha
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Areej Kainat
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Qurat-ul-Ain
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Ansa Ijaz
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Ali Tahir
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Fahad
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Maryam Mughal
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Minahil Fatima
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Umair Amjad
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Zahid Iqbal *
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Lahore, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Childhood immunization is a key strategy of the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce child mortality. The vaccine is intended to protect about 2 million and 3 million survivors per year. Despite this, Pakistan continues to struggle with vaccine-preventable diseases due to a significant number of unvaccinated children and is one of two states where the prevalence of poliovirus persists. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing parents’ decisions regarding childhood immunization in Pakistan, with a focus on understanding parental practices and perceptions surrounding vaccination
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess parent’s practices toward vaccination of their children in Lahore, Pakistan. Validated questionnaires was used to evaluate parent’s practices of childhood vaccination. The research population was 353 parents living in urban and rural areas of Lahore with children of different ages. The data collected through a questionnaire entered and analyzed by using SPSS program v21, IBM. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant values.
Results: Out of 353 parents surveyed, majority of the study subject were mothers (56.1%) with age 25-29 years with percentage 30.0%, stating that majority of the parents have poor practice (75.4%) and a few presented good practices i.e., 24.6%. Variables like occupation, number of children, residency, living class and health care providers in respondent family shows highly significant statistical association (p<0.001) with patient’s practice regarding their child immunization.
Conclusion: The poor practice towards child immunization indicates a concerning gap in immunization adherence. The study revealed that a significant majority of parents demonstrated poor practices highlighting critical public health issues despite awareness campaigns. Factors such as limited access to healthcare facilities, socioeconomics challenges and cultural beliefs contribute to poor practice. The findings emphasize the need for improved support system and educational initiatives to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, to enhance vaccination rates and improving public health outcomes.
Keywords: Parents, practice, child immunization, sociodemographic characteristics, children, vaccination