Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Parents on Child Immunization in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practice of child immunization among parents living in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia and to assess the different factors affecting on the knowledge, attitudes and practice of child immunization among parents living in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents living in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia in 2021 over a period of four months. Probability sampling method was used. A structured questionnaire consisting of three sections was used for data collection. Data obtained were analysed for the statistical test using SPSS Statistics (version 26) for analysis. Results: The mean age of respondents is 41.65±9.81 years. 78.3% of parents believe that routine vaccination prevents children from some infectious disease and its complications. 90.1% of parents agree that even healthy child needs vaccination and 75.9% believe that child immunization is safe. Three-quarter from the respondents have identified the vaccinations given to new-borns. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has evaluated the parental knowledge level, attitude and practice in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia towards childhood immunization and has assessed the association between parental knowledge level, attitude and practice and parent demographics. The finding of the study revealed that parents generally have good knowledge, attitude and practice regarding their children immunization. There is a need for educational interventions to upgrade parents’ knowledge.