Prospective Cross-sectional Study on Mother’s Knowledge and Attitude on Childhood Immunisation in Sibu Hospital

Abstract

Introduction:

The number of vaccine refusal cases is in an increasing trend in Malaysia. Since parents are the main decision-makers for their children to have immunisation, this study was conducted to explore mothers’ knowledge and attitude towards childhood immunisation in Sibu, Sarawak.

Methods:

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Antenatal, Postnatal, and 3 Paediatric wards in Sibu Hospital. Cluster sampling method was used where data collection was done on 7 randomly selected working days from July to October 2020. All mothers (excluding staff) in the wards were approached. A self-administered questionnaire (validated) was given to participants after obtaining written consent. Results are analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

A total of 201 respondents participated in the study, 56% were Iban with a mean age of 28 and a mean number of children of 2. The mean score of knowledge was 6.43 (out of 10). About half of the respondents answered ‘yes’ to the statement that children get too many vaccines in the first 2 years of life. In terms of attitude, more than 80% of subjects agreed to positive statements. However, only 56% agreed that they were well informed about the possible side effects of vaccination. For vaccines that were not provided under the National Immunisation Programme, more than 70.0% of the subjects were willing to pay for Influenza and Hepatitis-A vaccine for their children.

Conclusion:

Young mothers in Sibu generally had moderate knowledge and a positive attitude towards childhood immunisation. Mothers were more concerned about the side effects of vaccination and their decision for vaccination would be affected by their peers. More than 70% of participants were willing to pay for influenza and hepatitis A vaccination. We would like to encourage healthcare providers to give more information about childhood vaccination to mothers during Maternal and Child Health (MCH) follow-up and identify negative attitudes such as peer pressure and other concerns. With this, the negative attitudes of the mothers towards vaccination can be addressed effectively.