ASSESSMENT OF ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE OF ANTENATAL MOTHERS TOWARDS IMMUNIZATION

ABSTRACT

This study examined the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards immunization in Oredo Primary Health Center, Benin City, Edo State. BACKGROUND: The knowledge and attitude of antenatal and postnatal mothers towards immunization is a public health intervention that has greatly reduced mortality and morbidity globally and is very vital as they play a great role in child care. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess and determine the knowledge and attitude of antenatal and postnatal mothers towards immunization in a primary health care facility. METHODS: A Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed for the study, with the sample size of 200 pregnant women. A self-administered questionnaire which was adapted and validated was used to collect data for the study. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in frequency tables and charts using SPSS(statistical package for social sciences). RESULTS: The result of the study revealed that on account of the level of knowledge of the respondents, 66.5% had a good knowledge on immunization. With regards to the attitude of the respondents, 84% had positive attitude towards immunization. DISCUSSION: From the study, a good knowledge on immunization and a high level of positive attitude towards immunization was recorded. A number of factors including religion, age, education status affected their knowledge and attitudes of the towards immunization. CONCLUSION: The study showed that majority of the respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards immunization and that expressed that vaccines are very necessary and provide protection for their children.