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Article
Knowledge and perceptions of polio and polio immunization in polio high-risk areas of Pakistan
Journal of Public Health Policy
  • Atif Habib, Aga Khan University
  • Sajid Bashir Soofi, Aga Khan University
  • Noshad Ali, Aga Khan University
  • Imtiaz Hussain, Aga Khan University
  • Farhana Tabassum, Aga Khan University
  • Zamir Suhag, Aga Khan University
  • Saeed Anwar, Peshawar Medical College
  • Imran Ahmed, Aga Khan University
  • Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Aga Khan University
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Document Type
Article
Disciplines
Abstract

Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where polio is endemic, and Pakistan reports the most cases in the world. Although the rate is lower than in previous years, the situation remains alarming. We conducted a mixed methods study in high-risk areas of Pakistan to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices of target populations about polio vaccine and its eradication, and to estimate coverage of routine immunization and oral polio vaccine. We surveyed 10,685 households in Karachi, 2522 in Pishin, and 2005 in Bajaur. Some knowledge of polio is universal, but important misconceptions persist. The findings of this study carry strategic importance for program direction and implementation.

Citation Information
Atif Habib, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Noshad Ali, Imtiaz Hussain, et al.. "Knowledge and perceptions of polio and polio immunization in polio high-risk areas of Pakistan" Journal of Public Health Policy Vol. 38 Iss. 1 (2017) p. 16 - 36
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/atif_habib/18/