Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Vaccination in Al-Najaf City, Iraq
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46649/87ta4m39Keywords:
knowledge, attitudes, practices, KAP, parents, vaccination, immunization.Abstract
Background: By preventing infectious diseases and promoting herd immunity, vaccines save millions of lives annually. However, misinformation and low awareness hamper vaccination efforts. Vaccination decisions are significantly influenced by parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study assesses parents' KAP regarding childhood vaccinations in Najaf, Iraq, and examines their relationship with sociodemographic factors.
Methods: This survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Najaf City between 10 December, 2024, and 27 February, 2025. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The study targeted parents with children aged six months to five years
Results: The study found that most of the 382 participants were mothers (74.6%), with married individuals and urban residents comprising 96.9% and 92.9%, respectively. While good knowledge and attitudes toward vaccination were high (82.2% and 99.0%), good practice was lower at 68.6%. Healthcare centers were the main source of knowledge for 47.6% of participants. Knowledge levels were linked to marital status and residence; attitudes were related to marital status, residence, and parents’ occupation; and practices were influenced by residence, income, father’s occupation, and parents’ education, at p-value >0.05.
Conclusion: The study concluded that although parents' knowledge and attitudes toward vaccination were high, actual practice was slightly lower. Knowledge, attitudes, and practice were influenced by factors such as marital status, area of residence, family income, occupation, and education.
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