ABSTRACT
To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Expanded Programme of Immunization [EPI] among parents attending Paediatric Department, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Cross sectional descriptive study. This study was carried out among the parents attending Paediatric medicine and Paediatric Surgery out patients Departments, Nishtar Hospital, Multan for the treatment of their children during the month of September 2011. Two hundred and sixty parents were selected by convenient sampling and surveyed with a self reported questionnaire comprising of questions regarding knowledge attitude and practice about EPI. Data gathered was analyzed and results were obtained to make table. Among 260 parents interviewed, 40 [15.4%] were male and 220 [84.6%] were female. 258 [99.2%] had knowledge about EPI and only 2 [0.8%] had not. According to 242 [93.1%] EPI was beneficial, while 18 [6.9%] thought it to be non beneficial. Children of 197 [75%] parents were fully immunized. 40 [15.38%] were partially immunized and 25 [9.62%] were not immunized at all. 158 [60.8%] parents were educated and 102 [39.2%] were illiterate. Out of 260 parents 214 [82.3%] reported fever/ rash/ itching as a result of vaccination, while 46 [17.7%] were not. Majority of the parents belong to middle class i.e. 137 [52.7%] while 46 [17.7%] rich class and 77 [29.6%] of the lower class. We conclude that there is a significant difference in the knowledge of the parents. Majority of the parents had awareness about EPI. Middle class has greater attitude to get immunized their children as compared to poor and rich class. Our study demonstrates the importance of education in the practice of vaccination of the children