PHARMACIST FACILITATED EDUCATION ON CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION AMONG PREGNANT WEOMEN

Aim: The aim of our study was to determine the impact of pharmacist provided counselling to pregnant women regarding childhood immunization Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards childhood immunization Material and methods: A prospective hospital based interventional study was conducted among pregnant women selected hospitals of Kalburagi, Karnataka. The data was collected using data collection form and questionnaires. After a gap of one month followed by education post test scores were taken. The pre and post data were compared using paired t- test and ANOVA. Result: Out of 120 pregnant women surveyed, the knowledge score of pre-test was 46.5%, whereas post- test the score was 92.7%. The attitude score of pre-test was 80.5%, while the post-test score was 96% respectively. This shows a clear indication of improvement, followed by education, the practice score of pre-test was 82.3% and post-test score was 98%. Conclusion: Although majority of pregnant women had satisfactory knowledge and positive attitude and practice towards immunization, certain factors (Educational status) plays a major impact in vaccination uptake. Hence efforts should be focused on improving their practice. Keywords: Childhood immunization, pregnant women, knowledge and attitude practice.