Factors affecting the use of immunization among urban settlement dwellers in Papua New Guinea

• Published in: Papua New Guinea medical journal Vol. 35; no. 3; p. 179
• Main Authors: Freeman, P A, Thomason, J A, Bukenya, G B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Papua New Guinea 01-09-1992
• Subjects: Child, Preschool; Diffusion of Innovation; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Research; Humans; Immunization - utilization; Infant; Maternal-Child Health Centers; Mothers - education; Mothers - psychology; Papua New Guinea; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Population; Papua New Guinea; Papua New Guinea; Health Services; Age Factors; Parents; Educational Status > women; Socioeconomic Status; Urban Population; Delivery Of Health Care; Mothers; Sampling Studies; Socioeconomic Factors; Oceania; Knowledge > women; Population Characteristics; Population; Child; Demographic Factors; Immunization; Family Relationships; Health; Youth; Studies; Economic Factors; Family Characteristics; Melanesia; Developing Countries; Primary Health Care; Family And Household
• ISSN: 0031-1480

This paper examines the importance of selected social factors in the acceptance of childhood immunization in urban settlements in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The study found that the provision of information to mothers on when to start immunization and how often the child should be immunized were key factors in determining immunization status. Maternal education was found to be positively associated with knowledge of immunization, but was not significantly associated with actual immunization practice. Over 70% of the women studied found out when to attend for immunization from the local maternal and child health (MCH) staff, hence emphasizing their importance in disseminating information. If coverage is to be increased further in urban settlements with mobile populations, maximal use must be made of local community organizations to disseminate the key immunization information and for follow-up of newborns and infants new to the community. Efforts to encourage mothers to deliver under supervision should also continue as this is an important point of first contact for immunization.