ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF ANTENATAL WOMEN

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to examine the knowledge and attitude of anti-natal women concerning immunization at faith mediplex teaching hospital, Edo state, Benin City. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of anti-natal women towards immunization A descriptive cross sectional design was employed in the study. A randomized sampling was used to select 200 participants who were interviewed using self administered questionnaires. Most of the participants were between the age of 26-35 yrs(49.5%),and few was 36 and above (17.0%).82% of the participants were married and at least 13% were single mothers.58% of the vii respondent have attained tertiary institution while 5% attained only primary education level. Majority of the mother's were self employed ( 52.5%) while at least 1% were still a student. Respondents showed a good knowledge on immunization as 66% agreed that vaccines are necessary during pregnancy and only 0.5% of participants disagreed.57% of the respondent strongly agreed that immunization provides protection to a child health against diseases while only 3% of the participants disagreed. Respondents strongly agreed (50%) that compliance to vaccination schedule is important and 58% strongly disagreed that the side effect of vaccination are dangerous to children. However, 46.5% disagreed that pain and fever associated with vaccination should discourage vaccination. In conclusion it was stated that immunization services should be provided with specific consideration for religious views, including counseling mothers as well as major health education addressing immunization, its side effects, and how to manage them.