Mother’s awareness about immunization

Abstract

Background: Proper children immunization lowers the cost of treating illnesses. The safety and effectiveness of child vaccines are frequently questioned by parents. Objectives: This study sought to evaluate women in KSA who had children under the age of five about their knowledge, attitudes and practices towards immunization. Methods: A cross sectional study done was done in KSA, on 406 mothers a questionnaire to collect data about participants' demographics and their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding childhood vaccination. Results: 98.3% of mothers felt that immunizations are essential for children's health (96.8%), the prevention of infectious diseases (90.9%), the reduction of death or disability (80%) and the maintenance of childhood health (96.8%). Mothers believed that immunizations are useful in 97.5% of cases and are safe in 96.1% of cases. Of these, 84.7% are in favors of the Ministry of Health's mandatory vaccination policies. In terms of mother's behavior, 98.3% said their children had got mandatory vaccines and 96.1% said they adhered to scheduled mandatory immunization programs. Among them, 78.8% of the moms had a high level of vaccination knowledge, 83.5% had a positive attitude and 67% had a high level of practice. Mothers >35 years old were significantly more likely to have a high level of vaccination practice and knowledge scores were significantly positively correlated with attitude and practice scores as well as knowledge and practice scores. Conclusion: The majority of studied mothers had good knowledge, attitude and practice regarding childhood immunization. The level of parents' KAP was associated with mothers' age.