Knowledge and Attitudes on Childhood Immunisation among Parents in Bintulu Hospital

Abstract

Introduction:

Childhood immunisation is one of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) strategies for reducing vaccine-preventable diseases and mortality and improving the quality of life in the population. Parental perception regarding vaccination is very important in promoting vaccination and compliance with the immunisation schedule. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude on childhood immunisation, and the associated factors among parents of paediatric patients in Bintulu Hospital, Sarawak.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of paediatric patients aged 0-12 years old who were admitted to the Paediatric Ward in Bintulu Hospital from April to July 2020. The self-administered questionnaires consisted of seven questions each to assess knowledge and attitude on childhood immunisation. Data entry and statistical analysis were performed using SPSS software version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise parents’ demographics and linear regression analyses were used to determine the associated factors. P-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 131 parents participated in this study. The majority understood the importance of routine vaccination in preventing infectious diseases and their complications (91.6%) and knew the timing of the first dose in the vaccination schedule (94.7%). Less than half responded correctly with regards to whether administration of multiple vaccines at the same time have no negative impacts on child immunity (45.0%) and the contraindications to vaccination (38.2%). Parents agreed that childhood immunisation is important (99.2%), yet some were unsure if it is associated with side effects (38.2%). Gender (P<0.001) and education level (P=0.030) were significantly associated with parents’ knowledge score, whereas the number of children (P=0.031) was associated with their attitude score.

Conclusion:

The parents possessed the knowledge and showed applaudable attitudes in some aspects of childhood immunisation. However, future educational interventions should target the lacking aspects to further increase the acceptance of childhood immunisation among parents.