Knowledge , Attitude and Practice of Parents Towards Childhood Vaccination

Abstract

Background: The prevention and treatment of hypertension are a high priority in medicine Background: It has been recently reported by WHO that a large proportion of children fail to complete their immunization schedule. System weaknesses, low public awareness, fears and misconceptions about vaccines were responsible for that. Despite nearly 100% vaccination rate in Saudi Arabia, often parents delay vaccination and do not fully understand the value of immunization, except that it is mandatory for birth certification and admission in school. Objectives: To assess parental knowledge and attitude regarding vaccination and their effects on vaccination practice. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered Arabic questionnaire, including 20 questions related to parental knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding childhood vaccination. It was distributed in PHC settings. Results: The study included parents of 390 children. Factors significantly associated with better knowledge score and positive parental attitude regarding child vaccination were source of information about child vaccination from TV, internet and journals/newspapers, parents with first child, younger age, and higher level of education. There was a moderate positive correlation between total knowledge score and total attitude score of child vaccination (r=0.382, p<0.001). Conclusion: Positive attitude towards immunizations was remarkably high in this study group of parents. Knowledge on childhood immunizations, however, was not significantly higher in those who reportedly receive information from health professionals.

Determinants of uptake of pentavalent vaccine in Benin city, Southern Nigeria

“…Most caregivers at this age had probably attended antenatal clinic services where a general health education on childhood immunizations is given or had immunized a child before. This is similar to a study conducted in Saudi Arabia which showed that older mothers were less likely to have knowledge and positive attitude towards child vaccination 18 . More females than males had good knowledge of pentavalent vaccine.…”

“…However, the results were similar to the findings of a study conducted in UAE in 2011 and Saudi Arabia in 2013. 17,18 Knowledge was particularly high among respondents within the age group of 25-34 years. Most caregivers at this age had probably attended antenatal clinic services where a general health education on childhood immunizations is given or had immunized a child before.…”

Parents' knowledge, attitude, and practice on childhood immunization

“…Knowledge and attitude of parents and sociocultural factors can influence the immunization status of children. 3 In this study, we have tried to explore these factors which could influence the immunization status of children.…”

“…2 According to the WHO, over 1.5 million children die from vaccine-preventable diseases globally and current immunization programs save more than 3.2 million lives each year and additional 1.7 million lives a year can be saved by full utilization of the existing vaccines. 3 By increasing immunization coverage to above 80%, disease transmission can be interrupted, whereby unimmunized children are also protected because of the herd immunity. 4 To achieve this goal a full course of potent vaccines should be given at the right time.…”

What do parents think? Knowledge and awareness about newer vaccines: a cross-sectional study in South Indian city

“…12 Similar results are obtained by EKOS research associates, Angelillo et al, Inamder et al, Zahrani JA and Mohammed A et al where parents (both mothers and fathers) with higher level of education had a better knowledge of vaccines. 2,3,7,13,14 In contrast, studies by Garrido C et al and Mapatano MA et al, showed that parental education does not influence the awareness regarding vaccination. 15,5 Study findings show a significant association between the parent's age (both fathers and mothers) and vaccination awareness among them.…”