The impact of knowledge and attitudes of mothers towards the performance of immunization services in Kampala: a case study of Kawempe Division

Abstract

In Uganda, immunization awareness for the killer diseases in Kampala district for children below age 5 years averages 53%. This is well below the targeted score of 80% as per Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization (UNEPI) Standards. In Kawempe division, Kampala District, the awareness rate is high among the educated people. The government of Uganda, in collaboration with development partners, has committed to allocate more funds to increase immunization awareness through the media, schools. Community forums and many other. In Uganda, infants’ routine immunization coverage for DPT3, Measles and Polio for children of ages 12 to 18 months in Kawempe division ranges between below and just above average. There is need therefore to describe demographic (age, sex, level of education) and socio-economic factors like marital status characteristics and other risk factors, (mothers’ knowledge and negative attitudes towards immunization, community awareness, role of mass media, distance from the health facility and weather conditions) and analyze their association with immunization awareness. Such information would highlight groups that require targeted intervention to improve awareness. Aim: To assess the impact of knowledge and attitudes of mothers towards immunisation services in Kawempe Division. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 168 households with children below 5 years of age in 3 villages that were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Information on demographic and socio-economic factors and immunization status was obtained from mothers and caretakers. Immunization awareness and analysis of associations between immunization awareness and demographic and socio-economic factors were done. Results: The immunization awareness levels were 62.5% for females, 32.5% for males. Marital status and age, level of education and awareness were significant associated with the awareness in Kawempe Division respectively.