Vaccination coverage and perceived barriers to immunization as identified by mothers of under five children in rural areas of Udupi district, Karnataka, India

Introduction: Vaccines are the most effective and safe public health interventions available to prevent serious disease and death of children. Maternal knowledge regarding immunization is very important for increasing the immunization rate, and for decreasing immunization errors. Aim: The survey was conducted to find out the immunization compliance of children under the age of five and to identify the perceived barriers for immunization among mothers of children under five years in selected rural areas of Udupi district, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: Quantitative approach with descriptive survey design was used for the study. Study was conducted in four Primary Health Centers (PHC) and 22 Anganwadis of Udupi district. Participants were selected by non-probability purposive sampling method. Data was collected by providing questionnaires from January 10^th to February 15^th of 2017. Results: Out of 310 mothers, 74.2% had taken their children to PHC for immunization and 64.5% of mothers were not aware on due vaccine of their child. Immunization coverage was highest for BCG and least for DPT second dose i.e. 98.6% and 54.2% respectfully. Children who received measles vaccine among them, 96.3% and 90.1% had received first and second dose respectively. The reasons for incomplete immunization were related to knowledge and organizational factors. Barriers related to knowledge among mothers included poor awareness of immunization schedule and vaccine preventable diseases. Immunization was delayed due to common childhood illness. Barriers to utilization of immunization services included economic constraints, long distance to health care facility, and lack of effective communication with health personnel. Conclusion: Regular health education sessions and reminders among mothers will solve the problems of immunization.