Parental Awareness and Attitude towards Vaccination: A study among slum dwellers of Khulna City Corporation, Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53808/KUS.2025.22.02.1182-ssKeywords:
Childhood vaccination, Vaccine-preventable diseases, Prevalence of vaccination, knowledge and attitudes, Awareness, Healthcare.Abstract
Childhood immunisation is vital for preventing fatal illnesses, yet disparities remain among urban slum populations in Bangladesh despite the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). This study examined vaccination prevalence, socio-demographic determinants, and parental knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward immunisation in Khulna City Corporation slums. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents in selected slum areas using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed through univariate and bivariate methods. Almost half of parents (47.2%) could not identify vaccine names, reflecting a major knowledge gap. Neighbours were the main information source (55.7%), followed by healthcare providers (19.8%) and mobile alerts (11%). Government hospitals were the most common vaccination sites (87.3%). However, 12.7% of under-five children remained unvaccinated. Reported side effects included fever (10.2%), pain (6.4%), and rash (0.9%). Socioeconomic factors strongly influenced vaccination: male children (41.6%) were more likely to be vaccinated than females (14.8%). Higher parental education, marital status, and income were positively associated with uptake. Access to safe water, toilet facilities, and credible information sources further supported vaccination coverage. While immunisation is critical for reducing preventable diseases, gaps in awareness and socioeconomic inequalities hinder full coverage in slum communities. Strengthening education and awareness programs for low-income and less-educated parents, alongside addressing concerns about vaccine side effects, is necessary to improve vaccination uptake in urban Bangladesh.
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