Maternal Knowledge of Diseases Preventable by Immunization in Infants

Abstract

Immunization is a program that intentionally introduces weakened antigens to stimulate the production of antibodies, thereby making the body immune to vaccine-preventable diseases such as tuberculosis, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, and hepatitis B. These diseases are contagious and can lead to death, disability, or permanent impairment. The purpose of this study was to describe mothers' knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases. Data were collected directly from respondents using a questionnaire. The population in this study consisted of mothers with infants in Sei Tuan Village, Medan Estate Subdistrict. Data processing was carried out using editing, coding, and tabulation techniques. The results showed that mothers' knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases was relatively high (70%). It can be concluded that mothers' knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases in infants is adequate. It is recommended that more health education activities be conducted to improve mothers' understanding of immunization. Midwives and health cadres are expected to play a more active role in disseminating information about vaccine-preventable diseases to the community, especially to mothers.