Childhood Vaccination Among Arab Parents: A Meta-Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices

Sakina Al-Jadd; Mohammed Merzah

doi:10.55489/njcm.160720255451

Authors

Sakina Al-Jadd Department of Community Health, College of Health and Medical Technique, Al-Furat Al-Awsat technical University, Kufa, Iraq
Mohammed Merzah Department of Community Health, Technical Institute of Karbala, Al-Furat Al-Awsat technical University, Karbala, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160720255451

Keywords:

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Parents, Vaccination, Immunization, Arab

Abstract

Background: Childhood vaccination is crucial for preventing infectious diseases, yet parental concerns and hesitations persist. Understanding and assessing parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding vaccines is essential, as these factors influence confidence in vaccination and adherence to immunization schedules.

Methods: This meta-analysis synthesized evidence on Arab parents' KAP toward childhood vaccination, based on a systematic review of eligible studies and pooled analysis using a random-effects model.

Results: Fifteen studies were included: 14 reported knowledge scores (9,035 participants), 13 reported attitudes (8,523 participants), and 7 reported practices (5,106 participants). The pooled estimates were 0.73 for good knowledge (95% CI: 0.62–0.81), 0.83 for positive attitudes (95% CI: 0.74–0.89), and 0.77 for good practices (95% CI: 0.64–0.86), all with high heterogeneity (I² >97%). Meta-regression showed persistent variability (I² = 92.7%, 99.2%, 98.7%), with no significant link between KAP scores and the proportion of mothers.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis highlights a strong association between good parental knowledge and positive attitudes, which translate into favorable vaccination practices. However, high heterogeneity across studies due to differences in design, populations, and cultural context limits the generalizability of findings. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance parental vaccine awareness and uptake.

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