Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards immunisation among parents of under-five children in select urban and rural areas of Bengaluru: a mixed methods study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56450/JEFI.2025.v3i04.006Keywords:
Immunization, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Vaccine hesitancy, Urban population, Rural populationAbstract
Background: Parental knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding vaccines are key determinants of immunisation coverage in low- and middle-income countries. However, direct urban–rural comparisons of parental KAP in Bengaluru, South India remain limited. Aims and objectives: To compare parental KAP on routine immunisation of under-five children in urban and rural Bengaluru and identify associated contextual factors. Methodology: This hospital-based mixed-methods study included 200 parents (100 urban and 100 rural) recruited through convenience sampling between February and August 2024. Quantitative data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analysed using logistic regression and correlation analysis. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews. Results: Urban parents demonstrated higher mean KAP scores than rural parents. Urban residence was associated with greater awareness of vaccination schedules (aOR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.8–3.8) and appropriately vaccinated children (aOR 5.19, 95% CI: 1.0–7.6), while rural parents showed greater participation in community immunisation programmes (aOR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9). A moderate positive correlation was observed between knowledge, attitude and practice (p < 0.001). Qualitative findings highlighted persistent misconceptions in urban areas and logistical barriers in rural settings. Conclusion: Distinct urban–rural differences in parental KAP necessitate context-specific awareness and policy interventions to improve routine immunisation coverage.
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