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Correspondence to Author: Jelena Pažin¹, Svjetlana Grgić^2,3, Marjana Jerković Raguž ^1,3 

1. Clinic for Children’s Diseases, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. Department of Infectious Diseases, Mostar University Hospital, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
3. School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

DOI: 10.52338/jocp.2024.4170

Abstract:

Aim The aim was to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines among parents of children aged 1 to 5 years.
Material and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a kindergarten in Mostar with the assistance of an anonymous survey composed in Google Forms, which was sent to parents via email. The target group consisted of parents of children aged 1 to 5 years. The survey was sent on June 1, 2020, and it was completed on June 10, 2020.
Results A slightly larger number of parents, 57% of them, declared that the information they receive from doctors about vaccines against children’s infectious diseases, including pneumococcal diseases, is not clear and understandable. Only 15% of respondents received information about the possibility of vaccinating their child with the pneumococcal vaccine from a doctor, while most parents were informed via the Internet. Price, safety, side effects, and above all the fact that no one has recommended this vaccine to them are the main obstacles for parents to accept the pneumococcal vaccine. Most of the respondents, more precisely 59% of them, do not want to buy and vaccinate children with the pneumococcal vaccine.
Conclusion That parents are theoretically in favor of vaccination but have little knowledge about pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal diseases. The fact that none of their doctors have recommended this vaccine to them diminishes its value. The fundamental elements for improving the current situation and combating the widespread and unfounded fear of vaccines involve the active participation of health workers in familiarizing parents with pneumococcal diseases and the possible consequences of the disease. Additionally, the introduction of a voluntary vaccination scheme could be beneficial.

Citation:

Jelena Pažin. Parental knowledge, attitudes and perception of pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in Mostar.. Journal of Clinical Pediatrics 2024.