Level of knowledge about immunization in mothers, fathers and caregivers attending the Lasso Type C Health Center, Cotopaxi-Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization points out that immunization is the basis of the primary health care system and an indisputable human right, being one of the best investments in health, this makes immunization essential for the Sustainable Development Goal. 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Yet despite great advances, too many people around the world, including nearly 20 million babies each year, have insufficient access to vaccines. In some countries, progress has slowed and there is a real risk that past achievements will diminish (WHO, 2019). Ecuador has the National Immunization Strategy (ENI) program, whose primary objective is to contribute to reducing infant morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. (Ministry of Public Health, 2020). Objective: To diagnose the level of knowledge about immunization in mothers, fathers and caregivers of girls and boys under two years of age who attend the Lasso Type C Health Center, Cotopaxi, december 2021- february 2022. Materials and methods: The study was descriptive- cross-sectional correlational analysis, whose information collection was carried out at a given time, where the main social, demographic, economic factors and knowledge about immunization that affect non-compliance with the vaccination schedule were identified; through a questionnaire and the relationship that exists between the knowledge about vaccines that mothers, fathers and caregivers have with the vaccination status was established; whose verification of the vaccination status was done through the vaccination cards and vaccination cards. Pearson's correlation coefficient test was used to determine the degree of relationship between vaccination status and knowledge about the definition, vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccine schedule. Results: Of the study sample, 82% have incorrect knowledge about the definition of vaccines, 51% know about the places on the body where the vaccines are administered, 81% do not know about the dates of vaccination according to the corresponding ages, in relation to knowledge about secondary reactions, 75% do not know about this subject. Conclusion: The knowledge possessed by mothers, fathers and caregivers of girls and boys under two years of age is incorrect and directly influences the vaccination status.