Browsing by Author "Selvamalar, JA."

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    Perspectives of parents and caregivers about vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic: An online cross-sectional study
    (?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2024-11) Arunnair, V; S., B; AT, SV; MS, U; Mutalik, AV; Selvamalar, JA.
    Background: The most economical preventive health measure to safeguard youngsters from vaccine-preventable diseases, ensure a disease-free future, and prevent socio-economic disasters is immunization. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to a major backslide in childhood vaccinations. Hence, it is important to assess the parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards childhood vaccination amid the prevailing pandemic. Objectives: This study evaluated the KAP of parents and caregivers about immunization. Materials and methods: A prospective cross-sectional online questionnaire (Google Form)-based study was done using convenient sampling among 105 parents and caregivers at a tertiary care hospital in Coimbatore for 6 months. Descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA, Chi-square, Pearson correlation test, and Unpaired t-test) were used. The results were depicted in terms of numbers and percentages. The data obtained was evaluated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 28 for Windows. Results: The mean KAP scores of parents/caregivers about vaccination were 4.99 ± 2.05, 10.63 ± 2.28, and 6.67 ± 1.77, respectively. 61.9%, 58.1%, and 52.4% had good KAP scores, respectively. Participants’ knowledge and atti- tude showed a positive correlation (p < 0.032); however, there was no significant relationship between knowledge and attitude with practice. Urban residents and employed respondents had better attitude and practice scores than rural (p < 0.029) and unemployed (p < 0.033) correspondingly. Conclusion: The population under investigation had a good level of KAP; nevertheless, a gap was noticed in practice. Enhancing the study population’s awareness through educational campaigns and effective communication could help overcome these obstacles and ensure adequate immunization practices.