Knowledge, attitudes and practices of fathers regarding vaccination of children aged 0 to 5 years in the Expanded Programme on Immunization: a cross-sectional study in the Oveng-Fang community, South Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective public health measures for preventing infectious diseases in children. However, fathers' involvement in this process remains insufficient in many rural African communities. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of fathers regarding vaccination of children aged 0-5 years in the Oveng-Fang community, South Cameroon.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between March and June 2023 among fathers with at least one child aged 0-5 years. We collected socio-demographic, socio-economic and cultural information, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding vaccination. Data were collected by questionnaire and analysed using Chi-square test and Odds Ratios at 5% threshold.

Results: 75% of fathers had poor knowledge about vaccination. This level was significantly associated with region of origin (p<0.001; OR=0.778; 95%CI [0.697-0.867]) and ethnicity (p<0.001; OR=0.643; 95%CI [0.564-0.732]). 72.3% of fathers did not authorize their children's vaccination. Distance to vaccination center (>10 km for 39.3% of respondents) and irregularity of vaccination workers (73.5%) negatively influenced KAP.

Conclusion: Substantial efforts are needed to improve fathers' knowledge and practices regarding childhood vaccination, particularly through adapted communication strategies and strengthened community-based services.