PARENTS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING CHILDREN VACCINATION IN NORTHERN BORDER AREA (SAUDI ARABIA): CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease. Objective: Assess knowledge, attitude and practices of parents about children vaccination. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Northern border region-Saudi Arabia for two months (December 2019, January 2020) in on random sample of 358 parents using questionnaire in Arabic language. Descriptive statistics were used to describe all variables. Results: Mothers represented 57% of study subjects, the largest proportion (33%) were in the age group (36-45 years), 61% were residing in Arar. Mean score of sufficient knowledge about children vaccination was 54%, Mean score of positive attitudes toward children vaccination was 56%. Majority (92%) of study subjects vaccinate their children according to MOH vaccination schedule, 76% vaccinated their children against influenza this year. The major mentioned sources of information were; pediatrician (54%), vaccination clinic (32%). Conclusion: Parents are strongly influenced by the perceived benefits of vaccination and brought their children for vaccination although their knowledge and positive attitudes to vaccination are moderate. Misconception in knowledge and attitudes about vaccination have been identified especially belief that vaccines causes autism which may contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Keywords: Vaccination, practice, Misconceptio