Parents’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards seasonal influenza vaccination in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Parents’ knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza vaccine significantly determine whether or not their children will receive the vaccine. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice among Saudi parents towards vaccinating their children against influenza. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in multiple regions of Riyadh. We used a convenience sampling technique to enroll study subjects. Individuals who were Saudi nationals, with at least one child between 6 months and 14 years of age were included. Results: Over half of the Saudi parents (53.8%) scored well on influenza and vaccine knowledge, while most of them (92.0%) showed positive attitude towards vaccination. Most of the children (87.9%) were immunized with national vaccination program and 63.6% of the parents were aware of the availability of seasonal influenza vaccines in primary healthcare centres (PHCs) and hospitals. However, only 28% of the parents and 18% of their children received the seasonal influenza vaccine between 2019 and 2020. High education level, high monthly household income and being part of a medical profession were statistically significant (p < 0.05) determinants of good knowledge. Similarly, male gender, younger parent, low monthly income, working in a medical profession and parents with one child aged between 6 months and 14 years were significant predictors (p < 0.05) of positive attitude. Conclusions: Compliance of Saudi parents towards influenza vaccination is fairly poor despite positive attitude. Stringent efforts are needed to encourage the parents to actively ensure annual influenza immunization of their children.