ABSTRACT
PIP: Poliomyelitis continues to be a major public health problem in India leading to high morbidity and mortality among children under age 5 years. To address this problem, pulse polio immunization (PPI) on two National Immunization Days was conducted in the country in 1995. This paper presents findings of a study that was conducted in the National Capital Territory of Delhi to examine mothers' knowledge regarding PPI and routine Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) immunization schedule and their practice regarding the availing of its services. A total of 481 mothers participated in the study. Findings showed that 97.7% of mothers were aware of this special poliomyelitis vaccination program, while 2.3% were unaware of it. 75% of mothers correctly reported the age group of children receiving OPV to be less than 3 years, while 11% reported that it was being given to all age groups. Moreover, awareness of mothers regarding some aspects of routine OPV immunization was very low. 43% of mothers had incorrect knowledge regarding age of initiation of OPV, and 68% had incorrect knowledge regarding the number of primary doses of OPV. Given the consistently high coverage of the three primary doses of OPV in Delhi, these findings could be explained on the basis of poor emphasis of information, education, and communication activities in routine functioning by health professionals and paramedical workers.^ieng