Knowledge, perception, and practice of Libyan mothers towards varicella and its vaccination Tripoli, Libya

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to ascertain the level of knowledge, perception and practice towards chickenpox infection and its vaccination and to find out the relationship of knowledge to some of related characteristics of the mothers and their children. A cross sectional study was conducted among Libyan mothers in Albadri polyclinic the east district of Tripoli. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 26. A total of 204 Libyan mothers attending Albadri polyclinic participated in the study their mean age was 32.06 (± 7.664) years. Most of the respondents (95.6%) had heard about chickenpox and (84%) stated correctly about its mode of transmission. Majority were well aware of the signs and symptoms of the infection, (51%) of the respondents knew about chickenpox vaccination, and only (43.1%) have been known that the vaccine was available in Libya. Concerning perception (81.4%) of respondents had negative perception about their child might get chickenpox. (80.9%) of the respondents were agree about their believing that chickenpox is serious disease and only 12.3% respondents believed that vaccine was effective, (77.9%) of respondents had negative perception about safety of vaccine. Concerning practice approximately (80%) of the respondents had vaccinated or had intension for vaccination their children against chickenpox. The current study indicated considerable knowledge levels and practice on varicella disease and its vaccination were observed among Libyan mothers. Addressing concerns regarding vaccine effectiveness, safety and importance through educational campaigns to ensure that all mothers are informed of the availability and benefits of the varicella vaccine