Knowledge of mothers regarding children’s vaccinations in Cyprus: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Vaccine hesitancy is identified as one of the top threats to global health. A significant drop of childhood vaccine coverage is reported worldwide. One of the key reasons that influenced mothers’ choice to postpone, or avoid children’s vaccination, is knowledge. This study aimed to assess the level of Cypriot mothers’ knowledge on certain aspects of vaccination of their children, examine the association between vaccination knowledge and selected socio-demographic factors, and lastly assess the association of mothers’ knowledge about vaccination with vaccination coverage and delay, compliance to the recommended schedules, vaccination during pregnancy and mother-pediatrician relationship. Methods An online-based cross-sectional study conducted to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, child’s characteristics, vaccination, and vaccine knowledge, using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey was conducted between April 2020 and June 2020 and the study population included mothers over 18 years old with at least one child (<18 years old) living in Cyprus. Results A total of 703 Cypriot mothers participated in the study. Most of the participants stated that they vaccined their children (97%) and the most popular source of information about vaccination was their pediatrician (90%). More than half of the participants (57%) have delayed their child/children vaccination with their pediatrician’s suggestion being the main reason. 36% of mothers had low knowledge while the overall correct rate was 13.6% and the median (IQR) knowledge score was 11 (9–12). Having a medium knowledge about vaccination was associated with having a medium or high income, whilst high knowledge compared to low knowledge was associated with completed a higher education and having a high income. Our analysis showed that the correct knowledge by mothers with regards to vaccination increases the probability of vaccinating their children, following the local recommendations for vaccine dosages, and acquiring and trusting vaccination-related information from their children’s pediatrician. Conclusion Our findings show that the majority of mothers in Cyprus had positives perceptions regarding childhood vaccination, as reflected with the high vaccination rate, however, some aspects of mothers’ knowledge of vaccination need to be improved. Public health strategies to promote vaccination, education programs as well as improved communication tools between pediatricians and mothers need to be considered to achieve favorable vaccination attitudes and practices for all mothers in Cyprus.

Knowledge of mothers regarding children’s vaccinations in Greece: an online cross-sectional study

“…Our study identified a high knowledge level towards childhood vaccination among Greek mothers which is consistent with two other recent studies in Greece [ 32 , 56 ]. Likewise, this finding is in agreement with the results of a recent cross-sectional study that reported a high level of childhood vaccination knowledge among Cypriot mothers [ 31 ]. Pediatricians should be aware of factors, such as the educational level that could influence maternal attitudes towards childhood vaccination and preferred modes of risk-benefit information.…”

“…Our study shows that most mothers vaccinated their child/children, as reflected by the high vaccination coverage (98%). This finding concurs with the results from a previous study in Cyprus that investigated the maternal knowledge towards childhood vaccination, in which 97% of participants reported the vaccination of their children [ 31 ]. Also, another study reported a considerably high percentage of pregnant women in Greece (89%) were likely to vaccinate their child which it was accordance with the National Vaccination Program [ 32 ].…”

“…Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatric was among the three most important sources of information that helped 28% of parents with their children’s vaccinations’ decisions [ 42 ]. Two large surveys in Austria [ 41 ] and Cyprus [ 31 ] revealed the key role of physicians and pediatricians in the decisions about childhood vaccination and the benefits and risks associated with childhood vaccinations. In addition, a recent study investigating the vaccination knowledge and acceptability of vaccinations among pregnant women in Italy found that 23.7% of the respondents knew at least one of the recommended vaccines during pregnancy, whilst only 13.4% were informed about the importance of vaccination during pregnancy and general practitioners or gynecologists were the most common source of advice (70.8%) [ 49 ].…”

Attitudes and Determinants of Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19 among the General Population of Cyprus: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

“…), information related to COVID-19 vaccination, sources of vaccines information, and participants’ general vaccine knowledge and attitudes towards mandatory vaccination. The questionnaire was developed by our research team, based on our previous research experience and extensive literature search [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. Prior to the actual study, face validity was tested in a small pilot study involving 50 participants to assess the clarity and the applicability of all items of the survey, as well as to address wording problems.…”

Effectiveness of an instructional program on mothers knowledge toward child vaccines at primary health care centers in AlـNajaf City

“…Mothers' knowledge has been suggested as a key component in deciding childcare and influencing vaccination decisions for their children. Because women are generally the major decision makers for their children's healthcare, including vaccination, our main study topic is on their immunization knowledge (Kyprianidou et al, 2021). In order to achieve full immunization before a child's first birthday, mothers' knowledge plays a significant role, as do prior parent variables, knowledge attitude, and practice.…”