Knowledge of the Malaysian National Immunisation Programme and its associated factors among parents in Dungun, Terengganu: A cross-sectional study
https://doi.org/10.51866/oa.188
- Author:
Tengku Muhammad Fakhruddin Tengku Md Fauzi
1
;
Aminnuddin Ma'pol
2
;
Mohd Nazri Shafei
3
Author Information
1. MBBCh (Alexandria University), MPH (USM) Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan,Malaysia.
2. MD (UKM), MPH (UKM), DrPH(UKM) Level 3, District Health Office, Wisma Persekutuan, Maran, Pahang, Malaysia.
3. MD (USM), MComMed (Occupational Health)(USM) Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Knowledge;
Childhood;
immunisation;
Malaysia
- MeSH:
Knowledge;
Immunization;
Malaysia
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2023;18(All Issues):1-7
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The number of unvaccinated children and the rate of vaccination refusal among parents have recently increased despite the robust vaccination programme in Malaysia. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of the Malaysian National Immunisation Programme among Malaysian parents as well as the variables that contribute to poor knowledge.
Methods: This study used systematic random sampling to recruit 375 parents from seven health clinics in the Dungun District of Malaysia. The participants were asked to complete a self-administered validated questionnaire that included sociodemographic and knowledge questions. A multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the associated factors of poor knowledge of immunisation. P-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 189 (50.4%) respondents had poor knowledge of immunisation. The multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that a low educational level (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.92; 95% CI 1.25–2.95) was associated with poor knowledge while the age-group of 30-40 years old (adjusted OR: 0.56; 95% CI 0.34–0.93) was protected against it as compared to the age-group of <30 years old.
Conclusion: The prevalence of poor knowledge of immunisation among parents in Dungun, Terengganu, is relatively high. The focus of health promotion and education must be switched to increasing immunisation knowledge among the public, particularly among high-risk groups.
- Full text:2025082109210300086R3OA18.3KnowledgeoftheMalaysianNationalImmunisationProgramme.pdf
