Abstract:

Background: Immunization is the world’s safest method to protect children from life threatening infectious diseases and has been estimated to save more than three million lives in 2018 (WHO 2018). The study determined knowledge, attitude and practices towards childhood immunization among mothers admitted at antenatal and postnatal wards at Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza.

Method: A cross sectional study design was used with a sample size of 196 respondents who were mothers with children less than two years selected by consecutive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaire.

Results: Regarding knowledge on immunization uptake, all respondents had ever heard about immunization mostly from health workers and 51.5% could correctly define it. About 53.1% of mothers were able to mention two or more immunization diseases, (60.7%) of mothers could tell that multiple doses of the same vaccine are given at intervals and 55.1% of mothers were aware of what age a child should receive first vaccine. Attitude towards immunization was positive, 57.1% of mothers agreed that all vaccines are safe, 82.1% agreed completion of immunization schedule is important, were 68.9% of mothers agreed that timing of immunization matters. The overall practice was excellent, all mothers reported to have ever immunized their child. Immunization was initiated at birth by 44.8% of mothers. Majority of mothers 73% immunized children four times and more.

Conclusion and recommendations: The study concludes level of knowledge to be adequate, with positive attitude and excellent practice. Suggestions include health worker to use mothers with good practice in immunizing their child as ambassadors in their community.