2024, Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a highly contagious virus with the ability to evolve quickly, resulting in different strands of COVID-19 today. COVID-19 has varied effects on different persons. The aim of the study is to assess and compare the knowledge and attitude among the caregivers of children (12-17 years) regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children residing in urban and rural areas of Meghalaya.

A comparative descriptive study was performed using semi-structured interview schedule among the caregivers of children (12-17 years) residing in urban and rural areas of Meghalaya regarding COVID-19 vaccine for children. A semi-structured questionnaire, developed by the researcher, was used to assess the knowledge and attitude of the caregivers. A total of 152 data were collected through multistage sampling. Equal numbers of sample were selected from each areas. Analysis shows that the mean knowledge score of urban and rural caregivers are 10.25±1.90 and 9.39±1.62 respectively with the p value of 0.003 and the mean attitude of urban and rural caregivers are 45.33±and 43.24±6.51 respectively with p value of 0.05.

An association was found between knowledge of caregivers of children (12-17 years) with educational status and occupation (0.02 and 0.04 respectively). Association was also found between attitude with educational status and occupation of the caregivers of children (12-17 years).

The present study shows that urban caregivers have good knowledge and favorable attitude compare to rural caregivers. This highlights the needs for increase sensitization of the community people, especially rural areas regarding COVID-19 vaccine for children.