Περίληψη:
Introduction Vaccine hesitancy is identified as one of the top threats
to global health. A significant drop of childhood vaccine coverage is
reported worldwide. One of the key reasons that influenced mothers’
choice to postpone, or avoid children’s vaccination, is knowledge. This
study aimed to assess the level of Cypriot mothers’ knowledge on certain
aspects of vaccination of their children, examine the association
between vaccination knowledge and selected socio-demographic factors,
and lastly assess the association of mothers’ knowledge about
vaccination with vaccination coverage and delay, compliance to the
recommended schedules, vaccination during pregnancy and
mother-pediatrician relationship.
Methods An online-based cross-sectional study conducted to collect
information about socio-demographic characteristics, child’s
characteristics, vaccination, and vaccine knowledge, using a
self-administered questionnaire. The survey was conducted between April
2020 and June 2020 and the study population included mothers over 18
years old with at least one child (<18 years old) living in Cyprus.
Results A total of 703 Cypriot mothers participated in the study. Most
of the participants stated that they vaccined their children (97%) and
the most popular source of information about vaccination was their
pediatrician (90%). More than half of the participants (57%) have
delayed their child/children vaccination with their pediatrician’s
suggestion being the main reason. 36% of mothers had low knowledge
while the overall correct rate was 13.6% and the median (IQR) knowledge
score was 11 (9-12). Having a medium knowledge about vaccination was
associated with having a medium or high income, whilst high knowledge
compared to low knowledge was associated with completed a higher
education and having a high income. Our analysis showed that the correct
knowledge by mothers with regards to vaccination increases the
probability of vaccinating their children, following the local
recommendations for vaccine dosages, and acquiring and trusting
vaccination-related information from their children’s pediatrician.
Conclusion Our findings show that the majority of mothers in Cyprus had
positives perceptions regarding childhood vaccination, as reflected with
the high vaccination rate, however, some aspects of mothers’ knowledge
of vaccination need to be improved. Public health strategies to promote
vaccination, education programs as well as improved communication tools
between pediatricians and mothers need to be considered to achieve
favorable vaccination attitudes and practices for all mothers in Cyprus.
Συγγραφείς:
Kyprianidou, Maria
Tzira, Eleana
Galanis, Petros
Giannakou,
Konstantinos
