SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS INFLUENCING PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE OF CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION

Abstract

Parental knowledge about childhood immunization plays a vital role in ensuring timely vaccine uptake and preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between socio-demographic factors and parents’ awareness of their children’s immunization. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 150 parents to assess how variables such as gender, educational attainment, and occupation, number of children, residential background, and interaction with vaccinators influence immunization knowledge. The results revealed that parents’ knowledge was not significantly related to gender, occupation, or number of children. However, a significant, though non-linear, relationship was found between educational level and residential background. Importantly, direct interaction with vaccinators showed a strong and linear association with higher immunization knowledge. These findings suggest that enhancing communication between healthcare providers and parents, along with tailoring educational programs beyond formal schooling, can improve vaccine awareness. Additionally, targeted interventions addressing urban-rural disparities are necessary to bridge knowledge gaps. This study provides valuable insights for public health strategies aimed at increasing vaccination awareness and uptake.