FACTORS INFLUENCING MOTHERS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THE PENTAVALENT VACCINE, LIMA, PERU

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the factors influencing mothers’ knowledge of the pentavalent vaccine for children under five years of age who attend immunization services. Materials and Methods: Observational, analytical,
cross-sectional study conducted with a sample consisting of 181 mothers who attended a public hospital in Lima, Peru, in 2023. Knowledge about the pentavalent vaccine was measured using a 12-question
questionnaire. Bivariate analysis used the Chi-square test and Poisson regression with crude prevalence
ratio (PR) calculation. Results: 51.93% of mothers had no knowledge of the pentavalent vaccine. Similarly, 82.32% of all mothers did not receive training on the vaccine. Factors associated with greater knowledge of this vaccine included older age (PR= 1.03; 95% CI= 1.01-1.06; p= 0.003), being married (PR= 1.59; 95% CI= 1.16-2.17; p= 0.004), and previous training (OR= 1.48; 95% CI= 1.09-2.01; p= 0.013). Conclusions: More than half of mothers are unaware of the pentavalent vaccine. Additionally, most have not received training on the vaccine. On the other hand, factors associated with greater knowledge include being older, being married, and having received previous training. Based on these findings, healthcare providers should communicate with and educate mothers effectively about vaccines.