Knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers regarding immunization of one year old child at Mawatch Goth, Kemari town, Karachi

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers regarding immunization of one year old child at Mawatch Goth, Kemari town, Karachi, Pakistan. A cross sectional study was conducted among mothers having one year old child at Mawatch Goth, Kemari town, Karachi in February 2007. All mothers having less than one year old child were interviewed through a semi structured questionnaire regarding immunization knowledge attitude and practices. The data collected through a questionnaire entered and analyzed by using SPSS program version 15. Majority of the mothers were illiterate, belonging to low-income group and not aware about the name of diseases in EPI Program. Majority [70%] of women started routine immunization of the child. The reasons for missing vaccination schedule were lack of understanding of next appointment, non availability of health staff, mild flu and others reasons like household work. About thirty one percent mothers quit immunization after missing one dose. Health care staff was the main source of information. A positive attitude was reflected from both the parents towards immunization. A significant number stated that vaccination is contraindicated in mild illness of child. The knowledge of our mothers about vaccination was found inadequate with strong positive attitude and limited practices

Awareness and pattern of utilizing family planning services among women attending urban health care center Azizabad Sukkur

To assess level of awareness and pattern of utilizing family planning services among women [15-49 years] of reproductive age at Urban Health Center, Azizabad Sukkur, Sindh. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2005 at Urban Health Care Center Azizabad Sukkur. Two hundred women of reproductive age group were interviewed by using a PRE tested semi structured questionnaire visiting the health care center during the study period. Information was obtained after taking informed consent regarding socio demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and pattern of utilizing family planning services. The data was entered and analyzed by using statistical package SPSS version 13. About 75% of women and 42.5% husbands were found illiterate, 85% women were housewives, 69.5% were married before 18 years of age and 54% had nuclear family. Regarding desired number of children women responded one child [3%], 2-3 children [11%], 4-5 [37.5%], more than five children [36%], 5.5% said that children are God gifted and 7% did not answer. About 60% of women reported use of at least one contraceptive method and 40% had never used any contraceptive method. The women who received counseling from the health care provider were 48.5% and only 6% received information through media. Religious prohibition, shortage of female staff and cost of family planning contraceptive methods were the main reasons identified for not utilizing contraceptive methods. The unsatisfactory variables were long waiting hours at the center, non-availability of contraceptive, shortage of the female staff and cost. Limited number of women was aware and practice contraception in the area and utilization of family planning services were low. The efforts should be made for providing information to couple and improving quality of family planning services in the area

Knowledge attitude and Practices about leprosy in a fishing community in Karachi Pakistan

To determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding leprosy in a fishing community of Karachi. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Muach Goth Kemari Town Karachi, from June-August 2005. About 300 people who did not have leprosy were interviewed randomly using a structured pre tested questionnaire. The inclusion criteria were adult, non diseased and resident of Muach Goth Kemari town. The findings of this study showed lack of knowledge about the cause, sign symptom, treatment and prevention of disease. The attitude towards the patient was found positive showing sympathy but at the same time significant level of stigma was found about the leprosy patient among the community. The majority of people did not receive any health education session or attended any seminar on leprosy and only 3% were aware of leprosy center in the area. The community lacks knowledge about leprosy. Emphasis must be given on Health education. A high positive attitude was found with significant level of stigma. Only educational efforts can bring about change to over come the disease and improve knowledge of the people