Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Rubella vaccination and Congenital Rubella Syndrome among medical students of a Tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Introduction: Rubella infection in pregnant women contracted during the first trimester of pregnancy carries high risk of transmitting the virus to the fetus and can cause a spectrum of birth defects referred to collectively as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). But nowadays after the introduction of rubella vaccine CRS can be prevented. 

Objectives: This study aims in assessing the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding rubella vaccination and congenital rubella syndrome among medical students and to evaluate the relationship between their socio- demographic details and their knowledge regarding Rubella vaccination.

Materials and method: This hospital based cross sectional study was conducted with appropriately 250 individuals selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire given to the participants who were willing to participate.

Results: In our study based on the response the basic knowledge of the students was high(100%) but lacked accurate knowledge about the vaccine and CRS. The attitude towards vaccination and their practice was relatively less when compared to their knowledge.

Conclusion:Our result propose that medical students should not only have thorough knowledge but also positive attitude towards vaccination and 100% percent vaccination coverage.