Relationship Between Mothers' Education Level and Age-Appropriate Immunization of Children Attending Pediatric Opd at Lahore General Hospital

Abstract

Background & Objectives: The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) prevents vaccine-preventable diseases and
reduces childhood morbidity and mortality. Maternal education is often cited as a determinant of vaccination uptake,
but its local role is unclear. This study was conducted to see the association between mothers' education level and
knowledge about EPI with EPI vaccination uptake amongst children attending the Pediatric OPD at Lahore General
Hospital.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the pediatric OPD, Lahore General Hospital. A
total of 186 mothers with children under two years were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected
through a structured questionnaire and vaccination cards. Variables included maternal education, knowledge about
EPI, and vaccination status. Data was analyzed using SPSS v23. Chi-square test was applied; p <0.05 was considered
statistically significant.
Results: Mean maternal age was 27.5 years (range: 19–45). More than half (54.8%) had matric education or higher, and
90.9% reported EPI knowledge. Overall, 79.6% of children had up-to-date vaccination. Maternal education level was
not significantly associated with vaccination status (p = 0.05), whereas maternal knowledge of EPI was strongly
associated (p <0.001).
Conclusion: Maternal education level alone was not linked to vaccination status, whereas EPI knowledge showed a
strong association. Strengthening maternal awareness may improve vaccination coverage more effectively than
focusing solely on formal education.