Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers with children under five years of age about vaccination.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from Nov 2021 to Feb 2022 using convenience sampling method. Our study sample included mothers who had children under the age of five years visiting the OPD of Al-Nafees Hospital for consultation in different departments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and was analyzed by SPSS version 22.0.
Results: Most of the mothers were between ages 26-30, had secondary level of education and were housewives. Both mothers and fathers were involved in decision making regarding vaccination and main source of information was hospital. 88% mothers had the knowledge that vaccination is necessary for their children and 90% were aware that vaccination should be started at time of baby’s birth. 73% mothers knew vaccination is not harmful, 57% said it can be given during cold while 64% said it can be given with fever. When we checked the attitude of mothers 89% gave importance to vaccination for their children and 90% said that vaccination schedule should be completed. Among practices, 89% mothers completed their children’s vaccinations and were going according to vaccination schedule and 45% said that no side effects appeared in children who had been vaccinated.
Conclusion: Most of the mothers had good knowledge, attitude and practice of vaccination. The women in urban area are well educated and have better opportunities to avail the facilities provided by the health care system.

Key words: Child, vaccination, mothers, knowledge.