Perception and practice regarding pulse polio immunisation in an urban community of Calcutta

J Indian Med Assoc. 1998 Aug;96(8):247-8.

Abstract

A survey was conducted at an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme project in North Calcutta among 656 mothers having children less than 3 years of age to assess their perception and practice regarding pulse polio immunisation (PPI). It was revealed that 91.8% of under 3-year children received PPI on 9-12-1995 and 94.4% on 20-1-1996. Major reasons for not accepting the services on those two days included 'mothers unaware' (22%), 'child too small' (30.5%), etc. Major source of first information was television (TV)/radio (57.2%) followed by anganwadi workers (AWWs) (33.8%). However, majority of the mothers were finally motivated for PPI by AWWs (58.8%) followed by the role of TV/radio (34.1%). Although 70.7% mothers knew the name of the vaccine correctly, only 3.5% mothers could tell the exact purpose of its administration. Most mothers (73%) opined that 2 drops of oral polio vaccine (OPV) was administered to their children and only 14.6% hoped that such programmes will be conducted by the Government in future. The average waiting time of mothers at immunisation centres was found to be 7.2 minutes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Child, Preschool
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Health Education
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs*
  • India
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Mothers
  • Poliomyelitis / prevention & control*
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral / administration & dosage
  • Radio
  • Television
  • Urban Population

Substances

  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral