KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MOTHERS IN RELATION TO IMMUNIZATION OF INFANTS AND PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN QASSIM REGION, SAUDI ARABIA

Reem Rahib AlMutairi, Dr. Sarah Ali* and Dr. Syed Raziur Rahman

ABSTRACT

Introduction: World Health Organization has defined immunization as the process in which a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccination is an effective method to control vaccine preventable disease. Mothers play an important role in achieving complete immunization for their child. The aim of this study was to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of mothers in relation to Immunization of Infants and Preschool Children in Qassim Region, KSA. Methods: Cross Sectional Study was conducted during the period (February-April 2018) in Qassim Region, KSA. A total of 200 Mothers who live in AlQassim and having, children of 1 month to 7 years were invited to participate. Data was collected using an online questionnaire included the informed consent. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed in EpiInfo7 statistical software. Results: Mothers had adequate knowledge about child vaccination. Poor knowledge was reported among mothers in some aspects like, only 84 (42%) of them knew that more than one vaccine administered at the same time had no negative impact on child immunity. Mothers attitudes towards childhood vaccination was positive, except in some aspect like the association of vaccines with dangerous side effects, only 52 (26%) of them disagreed with that. Majority of mothers had a good practice toward childhood immunization. 195 (97.5%) mothers reported that they vaccinated their children according to MOH vaccination schedule. Conclusion: Mothers demonstrated an acceptable knowledge and positive attitude toward childhood immunization except in some aspects which may require an educational interventions. Most of mothers had a good practice toward childhood immunization.

Keywords: Childhood immunization, Mothers, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices.