dc.description.abstract |
Objectives of the study, two Comparative Groups were chosen from the family practice
setting. Mothers' perception of responses related to haemophilus type b, problems related to
mumps and MMR immunisation were assessed using the firmly established method of
Health Belief Model (HBM). Four components of HBM (i) perceived susceptibility and (ii)
perceived seriousness were assessed initially with regard to haemophilus type b and mumps
problems. Furthermore, assessments of (iii) perceived barriers to vaccinations were carried
out. Afterwards, assessment of (iv) perceived benefits of immunization. The proven success
in a planned Health Education Intervention (HEI) among mothers on two of non-EPI
vaccines showed that HBM was a useful and effective tool to the family physician in
affecting a behavioural change. However, the components of the Health Belief Model
(HBM) that showed a statistical significance were the perceived susceptibility, perceived
seriousness and perceived benefits (p0.05). Moreover, implementation of a planned health
education Intervention using a flip chart and leaflet on non - EPI vaccination was an
effective method of improving perceptions in family practice. The mean score of HBM
responses showed an increase on two of non-EPI vaccines (Hib and MMR). Conversely, the
increase in the intention to vaccinate their children was differently affected between Hib and
MMR vaccines. Furthermore, analysed results also showed that mean score difference of
assessment of perceived susceptibility and seriousness of Hib diseases and mumps was not
affected by any of the background factors or sociodemographic factors considered in the
study (p0.05). Therefore, to achieve positive outcome in other areas related to
immunization, the HBM can be strongly recommended in other at family practice situations
to reduce the health care cost burden to a significantly low level with minimum effort, as
this, has shown greater perceived benefits in the two of non - EPI vaccines recommended in
Sri Lanka |
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