Knowledge and attitude of medical personnel towards expanded program of immunization in Giza governorate

ABSTRACT

This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical personnel toward vaccination programme in Giza Governorate. The subjects of this study were consisted of 252 physicians and 215 nurses working in the Maternal and Child Health Centers and the Ministry of Health Hospitals in Giza Governorate. One third of these health units were selected by simple random sample. The results of this study revealed that there are a statistical significant differences of level of knowledge and attitudes of physicians and also of nurses. Unsufficient level of knowledge were observed among medical personnel about cold chain and new concept which limit the list of contraindication of administration of EPI vaccines. The main causes of underutilization of vaccination in the opinion of health personnel were illiteracy, unawareness lack of information of utilizers. The researchers recommend a pre-service, inservice training and up-dating knowledge of health personnel about cold chain, new concept of EPI vaccines contraindication and role of community participation in the success of such program