title: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Healthcare Workers on the Knowledge and Attitudes towards Polio Vaccination in Pakistan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pakistan accounts for 85.2% of the total polio cases reported worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an integral part of immunization campaigns and source of education for the general public. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards polio vaccination among HCWs providing immunisation and education to general public in Quetta and Peshawar divisions of Pakistan.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey of 490 HCWs was conducted in two major referral public teaching hospitals of Quetta and Peshawar divisions. During February to April, 2015, a random sample of 490 HCWs was invited to participate in this study. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed by using self-administered, anonymous and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to express the results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 468 participants responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 95.5%. Overall, participants demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitudes towards polio vaccination. The mean knowledge score of HCWs about polio was 13.42 ± 2.39 (based on 18 knowledge questions) while the mean attitude score was 28.75 ± 5.5 (based on 9 attitudes statements). Knowledge gaps were identified about the incubation period of poliovirus (19.5%), management issues (31.9%), use of polio vaccine in mild illnesses (34.7%) and the consequences of the polio virus (36.9%). The majority of participants agreed that all children should be vaccinated for polio (95.1%), while reservations were noted about the need of a booster (38.9%), and sterility issues associated with polio vaccines (43.6%). Internet (n = 167, 37%) and Posters (n = 158, 35%) were the main sources used by HCWs to educate themselves about polio.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants in this study had good knowledge and positive attitudes towards polio vaccination. Although the data are indicative of gaps in the knowledge of HCWs, the findings may not be generalized to other hospitals in Pakistan.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Muhammad Umair
authors.initials: MU
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Akram
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Baluchistan, Quetta, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Talieha
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aqeel
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Baluchistan, Quetta, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Naila
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Akbar
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Saad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salman
authors.affiliation: Department of Integrated Sciences, Post Graduate Nursing College, Peshawar, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Jawaria
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Idress
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D023321:Poliovirus Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D023321:Poliovirus Vaccines