Knowledge regarding immunization among mothers of under-five children in Uttarakhand

Background: Immunization is one of the most impactful and cost-effective health investments globally that helps in reducing the burden of infectious diseases keeping children safe. Mothers are the major role players with regard to their children’s immunization. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge regarding immunization among mothers of under-five children in the Doiwala block of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. A total of one hundred mothers of under-five children were conveniently selected through door-to-door survey. A structured knowledge questionnaire on under-five immunization was administered through the interview technique to assess the knowledge of the mothers. Results: Among 100 mothers of under-five children 13% had poor knowledge, 63% had average knowledge and 24% had good knowledge regarding under-five immunization. There was significant association between age, education status and socioeconomic status of mothers with knowledge score regarding under-five immunization. Conclusions: There is a strong need to increase awareness and knowledge about immunization among children; its benefits and importance. There is also a need to educate people especially mothers regarding harmful consequences of incomplete immunization of children.

Knowledge regarding breast self-examination among middle aged women of Uttarakhand

Background: Breast self-examination involves the women herself looking at the mirror and feeling each breast for possible lumps and distortion or swelling. It is seen that more than 10% to 20% breast cancer is detected by breast self-examination. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge regarding breast self-examination among middle aged women in a selected community setting of Uttarakhand. A total of 62 samples were selected through systematic randomized sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire was administered through interview technique to assess the knowledge. Results: Most of the (49%) women had poor knowledge regarding breast self-examination. There was significant association between age of the samples, education status, family income and previous information regarding breast self-examination with knowledge score. Conclusions: The study concluded that there was inadequate knowledge regarding breast self-examination among middle aged women in Uttarakhand. There is a need for educational programs to create awareness and improve knowledge regarding routine breast self-examination.