A cross-sectional survey to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding measles vaccination among...

Vaccines have prevented the spread of many diseases. However, lower vaccination rates have been found among the minority nationalities of China. We carried out this research to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in Xunhua Salar Automous County, of childhood immunization, particularly in regard to vaccination to prevent measles.

A close-ended questionnaire was designed to evaluate KAP among 240 primary caregivers sampled by using the probability proportional to size method. The chi-square test and the logistic regression were used for statistical analysis to explore the potential risk factors associated with childhood under- immunization.

We found the majority of primary caregivers (80%) did not know their children could be immunized for free under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) when they left the permanent resident areas. More than 95% of caregivers believed vaccines were effective. However, 34.6% of the children missed opportunities for vaccination or delayed vaccination. Our results showed that the potential risk factors associated with the increasing likelihood of a child missing or delaying immunization were: inadequate supplies of vaccine service; lacking information on immunization program; and lower educational level of caregivers. More than 70% of caregivers expected to acquire immunization information from village doctors or local religious leaders.

To increase immunization rates among minority children, more immunization services are strongly suggested. Local religious leaders were encouraged to play a vital role in improving caregivers' awareness of the immunization program, especially for those without formal schooling.