Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Parents Toward Child Immunization in Tobruk, Libya

• Huda. A. M. Aqmati

  Department of Pediatric, faculty of Medicine, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Eman Issa Berrish Mohamed

  Department of Pediatric, faculty of Medicine, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Hala Fathi

  Faculty of Medicine, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Ghalia Farag

  Faculty of Medicine, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Maha Abdul-Mollah

  Faculty of Medicine, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Hend Awad

  Faculty of Medicine, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

Background: Routine childhood immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for reducing pediatric morbidity and mortality. Parental knowledge and attitudes are pivotal determinants of vaccination compliance and schedule adherence.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess parental knowledge and attitudes regarding childhood immunization in Tobruk, Libya, and to examine their association with sociodemographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted from May to September 2025 in two primary healthcare centers (Bab Derna Clinic and Al Manara Clinic). A total of 390 parents of children aged 0–5 years attending routine vaccination visits were interviewed using a validated structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with Chi-square tests (χ²) applied and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 390 participants, 58.7% were female, 74.6% were younger than 40 years, 71.3% resided in urban areas, and 49.2% held a university degree. High knowledge was observed regarding disease. High knowledge was observed regarding disease prevention (89.0%) and the birth dose schedule (79.7%). However, gaps persisted: only 41.5% understood the need for multiple doses, 37.2% recognized the safety of concomitant administration, and 62.8% held misconceptions about false contraindications. Attitudes were overwhelmingly positive, with 98.7% affirming vaccine importance. Significant associations were found with maternal gender, younger age, higher education, urban residence, and higher parity. Conclusion: Despite strong acceptance, targeted educational interventions are needed to address knowledge deficits, particularly among fathers, rural residents, and lower literacy groups

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الحقوق الفكرية (c) 2026 Huda. A. M. Aqmati, Eman Issa Berrish Mohamed, Hala Fathi, Ghalia Farag, Maha Abdul-Mollah, Hend Awad (Author)

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