EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF PHARMACIST LED EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN: A PROSPECTIVE INTERVENTIONAL STUDY IN KARNATAKA

Abstract
Background:
Maternal awareness and acceptance are critical for achieving universal childhood immunization
coverage. Pharmacists, although underutilized in India, can play a pivotal role in vaccine education, addressing
misconceptions, and improving adherence.
Methods
A prospective interventional study was conducted among 302 pregnant women attending antenatal
clinics at Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, Karnataka. Baseline knowledge, attitude, and
practice (KAP) scores regarding immunization were me asured using a structured questionnaire. Participants
underwent pharmacist led education employing information leaflets, audiovisual tools, and counselling sessions.
A post test was conducted after one month. Data were analyzed using paired t tests, chi sq uare, and ANOVA.
Results:
Pre test awareness, attitude, and practice scores were 22.5%, 32.9%, and 30.1%, respectively. After
pharmacist intervention, scores increased significantly to 76.5%, 87.7%, and 79.4% (p<0.001). Misconceptions
about vaccine harms r educed from 65.2% to 9.1%. Maternal education level and socioeconomic status
significantly influenced improvements (p<0.05). Practices such as immunization card retention and adherence to
schedules improved markedly.
Conclusion:
Pharmacist led education ef fectively improved maternal understanding and practices regarding
childhood immunization. Integrating pharmacists into maternal health services can enhance vaccine uptake and
reduce hesitancy in semi urban and rural populations. Policy measures supporting pharmacist participation are
warranted.
Keywords:
Pharmacist, childhood immunization, awareness, pregnant women, health education, vaccine
hesitancy.