Immunisation is an essential public health strategy to prevent childhood diseases and enhance community health. The effectiveness of immunisation programmes, however, relies heavily on the acceptance and compliance of parents, particularly mothers. Mothers with negative views or limited knowledge about immunisation may choose not to vaccinate their children or avoid seeking further information. Specially, fears of side effects, hesitancy due to minor illnesses, and misinformation can hinder vaccination rates. 

This cross-sectional study evaluated mothers’ perceptions of child immunisation in rural Bangladesh, conducted at the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) centre of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal. The research involved 112 mothers selected via convenience sampling, with data gathered through structured face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire included sections on socio-demographic characteristics and maternal perceptions of immunisation.

The sample comprised predominantly Muslim mothers (87.5%), with 71.4% being housewives. Educational attainment varied, with 42.9% of mothers holding college-level education. Fathers’ occupations included service holders (45.5%), businessmen (43.8%), and workers (10.7%). Monthly family income ranged from 6,000 to 90,000 Bangladeshi Taka (mean: 35,116). Information sources for mothers included family or friends (primary), followed by healthcare providers, television, and social media.

The study findings indicate that perceptions of immunisation are significantly associated with certain demographic factors. These results highlight the need for targeted educational efforts and community-based initiatives to counter misinformation and increase awareness. 

• Positive Attitudes: Over 90% of mothers recognised the importance of the first vaccine dose at birth and its role in maintaining child health.
• Misconceptions: Nearly half disagreed that healthy children do not need vaccines, yet concerns persisted about the necessity of multiple doses, single vaccines covering all diseases, and potential side effects.
• Socio-Demographic Influence: Perceptions were significantly linked to factors such as age, location, and information sources. Older mothers exhibited less favourable views, possibly due to cultural or access disparities, while urban mothers scored higher in perception, likely benefiting from better healthcare and information access. Education and religion showed minimal influence, suggesting informal community knowledge outweighs formal education in shaping views.
• Health Benefits: Vaccinations were acknowledged as critical for preventing seasonal diseases, reducing mortality and disability, and controlling infections like diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. However, many mothers believed one dose sufficed and saw little need for vaccines against less common diseases. 

The findings underscore the impact of socio-demographic factors on immunisation perceptions, with rural-urban divides and reliance on informal information sources highlighting areas for intervention. Misconceptions about vaccine necessity and safety indicate a need for targeted education. While religion and parental occupation showed limited influence, universal health messaging could be effective across groups.

To enhance immunisation rates, community-based initiatives should prioritise accessible, credible information to counter misinformation. Strengthened awareness campaigns in rural areas, focusing on younger mothers and leveraging healthcare providers, could foster positive attitudes. Policymakers and public health professionals can use these insights to design interventions that safeguard child health in Bangladesh through improved vaccination uptake. 

Reference:
View of mothers’ perception about immunization of children in Bangladesh [Internet]. Ijnhs.net. [cited 2025 Apr 23]. Available from: https://www.ijnhs.net/index.php/ijnhs/article/view/852/564