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Knowledge and behaviors of parents towards child vaccination in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate parental knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards child vaccination in Saudi Arabia and to examine the factors associated with immunization.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jazan, southwest Saudi Arabia. A total of 447 parents who visited the primary health care centers were enrolled using a multistage stratified random sampling method. A structured, self-administered questionnaire involving information on parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards childhood vaccination was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze and to interpret the data.
Results: The immunization knowledge level was 68.0 %, and most respondents had a positive attitude (86.6 %) toward child vaccination. Mothers (74.7 %) showed signs of a higher level of knowledge than fathers (60.5 %). In turn, fathers (91.9 %) had a significantly more positive attitude towards immunization than mothers (81.9 %). Parents working in the medical field showed a significantly high level of knowledge and a significantly positive attitude towards child immunization (p < 0.05). The logistic regression model suggested that the most important independent predictors of immunization compliance were being a mother and working in the health field.
Conclusion: The results show that most of the parents have acceptable levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Health educational programs are needed to improve the levels of parental knowledge and practices.
