| Abstract [eng] |
The advent of vaccines is considered a pivotal milestone in public health, significantly reducing the prevalence and threat of once-widespread infectious diseases, particularly among the most vulnerable pediatric populations. However, the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases has re-emerged as a major global health concern. Despite the availability of vaccines, outbreaks of measles, pertussis, mumps, and other vaccine-preventable diseases highlight the consequences of declining immunization coverage. To prevent such outbreaks, it is essential to analyze epidemiological trends of vaccine - preventable diseases and identify knowledge gaps among parents and caregivers that influence their decisions regarding childhood vaccination. Aim. To assess the epidemiological trends of vaccine-preventable diseases in Lithuania and evaluate parental and caregiver knowledge regarding these diseases. Methodology. A descriptive data analysis and analytical cross-sectional study were conducted. Morbidity trends were assessed using log-linear regression, with standardized indicators and frequencies calculated. Parents’ and caregivers’ knowledge was evaluated using an anonymous online questionnaire. A total of 263 completed surveys were analyzed. Data were processed using SPSS, Excel, and Joinpoint software, employing descriptive statistics and the chi-square test (p ≤ 0.05). Results. Between 2005 and 2024, the incidence of most vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Lithuania remained low or decreased, however, outbreaks of pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal infection, and mumps were still reported. A survey of parents showed that the majority (71.86%) were willing to vaccinate their children with at least some of the recommended vaccines, although only a smaller proportion opted for the complete vaccination schedule. The study revealed a statistically significant association between respondents’ education level and their knowledge about vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccination (p = 0.009), with higher education correlating with greater awareness. Similarly, higher professional qualifications were significantly associated with increased vaccination knowledge. Most respondents sought information from professional sources. Statistical analysis identified several information sources significantly associated with respondents’ knowledge levels: healthcare professionals (p < 0.001), television (p = 0.033), radio (p = 0.032), and scientific publications (p = 0.001). Conclusions. In Lithuania, the incidence of vaccine-preventable infections remains stable or declining; however, periodic outbreaks indicate uneven vaccination coverage. Parental decisions on vaccination are associated with their knowledge, education level, and sources of information. Higher awareness is more frequently observed among respondents with higher education, particularly in Vilnius County, and among those who obtain information from healthcare professionals. Keywords: vaccines, immunity, vaccination, immunization, vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccines, epidemiology, knowledge. |
