EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF PHARMACIST-LED EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN: A PROSPECTIVE INTERVENTIONAL STUDY IN KARNATAKA

Povzetek

Background: Maternal awareness and acceptance are critical for achieving universal childhood immunization coverage. Pharmacists, although underutilized in India, can play a pivotal role in vaccine education, addressing misconceptions, and improving adherence.

Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted among 302 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, Karnataka. Baseline knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scores regarding immunization were measured using a structured questionnaire. Participants underwent pharmacist-led education employing information leaflets, audiovisual tools, and counselling sessions. A post-test was conducted after one month. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, chi-square, and ANOVA.

Results: Pre-test awareness, attitude, and practice scores were 22.5%, 32.9%, and 30.1%, respectively. After pharmacist intervention, scores increased significantly to 76.5%, 87.7%, and 79.4% (p<0.001). Misconceptions about vaccine harms reduced from 65.2% to 9.1%. Maternal education level and socioeconomic status significantly influenced improvements (p<0.05). Practices such as immunization card retention and adherence to schedules improved markedly.

Conclusion: Pharmacist-led education effectively improved maternal understanding and practices regarding childhood immunization. Integrating pharmacists into maternal health services can enhance vaccine uptake and reduce hesitancy in semi-urban and rural populations. Policy measures supporting pharmacist participation are warranted.