| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the topic. Childhood immunisation is an important measure for preserving public health. Recently, there has been a decrease in the number of vaccinated children. There is a lack of scientific research in Lithuania that would help to identify the reasons for the decrease in immunisation coverage. Purpose. To assess the knowledge and attitude of parents of preschool-aged children in Vilnius County towards childhood immunisation. Tasks. Taking into account social and demographic characteristics, to assess the knowledge of parents of preschool-aged children in Vilnius County about childhood immunisation and the features of the implementation of the immunisation program (1), their attitude towards childhood immunisation and related difficulties (2), and based on the level of parents knowledge, assess adherence to the immunisation program (3). Methods. 546 respondents participated in a survey that was performed among parents of preschool-aged children in Vilnius County. Adherence to the immunisation program and parental attitudes towards it were assessed, taking into account socio-demographic factors and the level of knowledge. Results. 33.55% of parents had a low level of knowledge about childhood immunisation. A low level of knowledge was more frequent among respondents with lower income (50.53% compared to 30.60%, p < 0.05). No differences in knowledge level were found according to other social and demographic characteristics. 91.51% of the non-vaccinating parents did not adhere to the immunisation program due to scientifically unfounded reasons, which was more commonly seen in the group with a lower education level (p < 0.05). 74.02% of them faced difficulties in adhering to the immunisation program. This was more common in the group of parents who are living in smaller municipalities, earning higher incomes, and raising only preschool-aged children (p < 0.05). Parents with a higher level of knowledge more frequently adhered to the immunisation program (72.02% compared to 62.97%, p < 0.05). Conclusions. One-third of parents of preschool-aged children in Vilnius County, often those with lower incomes, have a low level of knowledge about immunisation (1). 9 out of 10 parents who do not vaccinate their children do not adhere to the immunisation program due to scientifically unfounded reasons. This was more frequent among parents with a lower education level. Two-thirds of the parents with a lower education level, more often those living in smaller municipalities, earning higher incomes, and raising only preschool-aged children, face obstacles in adhering to the immunisation program (2). A higher level of parents‘ knowledge about immunisation leads to better adherence to the program (3). Keywords. Vilnius County, preschool-aged children, parents, knowledge, attitude, immunisation. |
