Comprehensive study on Immunization in a rural, urban and estate area in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Objectives of this study on were:- To compare the immunization status of children in a rural urban and an estate area in sri lanka,To observe the influence of demographic factors on the immunization programme,To determine the extent of the parents' knowledge on the E.P.I. programme in sri lanka,To analyse the system of record keeping on immunization in this country.Useful observations were made in the demographic study.Factors related to the drop outs and late immunizers were determined.The very old and the very young parents should be considered potential drop outs and the area health wokers should pay more attention to them.The government should afford the concession of half a day's leave to a working mother to take her child to a health centre for immunization.There was also a definite association between higher drop outs with large families.It was shown in this study that the midwife was one of the key motivators for immunization.She should also provide more information to the people on the target disease of the EPI.The mass media would also help the programme greatly.The midwife should be given the correct attitudes and skills in record keeping during her period of training.Ongoing training is also very important to keep her enthusiasm from being lowered and to update her knowledge.The only answer for the evaluation of immunization coverage in an area,is to carry out field surveys,as in this study.This should be done in all MOH area with the assistance of the health staff.Lastly it would be possible,to bridge the gap in health care for these who live in pockets of want in the midst of plenty,if we determine where the problems lies,through primary health care research.