Assessing Mothers' Knowledge of Childhood Immunization

Background: Despite global efforts, 108 million infants (84%) received three doses of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine in 2023. However, in Yemen, millions of children missed routine immunizations, and only 30% of children under the age of three were fully immunized during the same year.

Aim: This study aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge of childhood immunization for children under five years of age at Jiblah University Hospital, Ibb, Yemen.

Methods: A descriptive, community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2023 and March 2024. The study included 300 mothers attending the maternal care and vaccination units at Jiblah University Hospital. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test.

Results: More than three-fifths of the mothers (62%) were over 25 years of age, and 48.3% had one to two children under five. The overall maternal knowledge score regarding childhood immunization was 77.7%. A statistically significant association was found between mothers’ age and education level and their total knowledge score (p=0.044 and p=0.028, respectively). Notably, the majority of mothers aged 25 years or older (82.3%) and literate mothers (80%) demonstrated good knowledge.

Conclusion: Most mothers recognized the importance of vaccination in preventing disease and reducing infant mortality. However, gaps were identified in their understanding of vaccine side effects and immunization schedules.