[Child vaccination: the coverage, knowledge and attitudes of the population. A study in a health area]

The purpose of this study was to know the vaccination coverage in children under 16 years of age in our health care area, as well as the level of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, vias of information and other factors that could influence the state of child vaccination. A transverse study by interviewing parents was made. Children were distributed into three groups: A (0 to 4 years of age), B (5 to 9 years of age) and C (10 to 16 years of age). Our results showed a correct global vaccination coverage rate of 58.4%. The correct vaccination coverage rate 94.5% in group A, 74.7% in group B and 30.8% in group C (p < 0.001). The correct coverage for specific vaccinations was: measles 74.6%, rubella 69%, mumps 63.1%, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and polio 67.6%. This coverage was also greater in the younger children. There was no statistical difference among the several basic health zones. Of those parents interviewed, 94.8% thought that vaccines were good for health. Their knowledge about dosage, the administration frequency and the different diseases and their complications was suitable. Information about vaccinations was received from pediatricians in 31.3% of the cases and from nurses in 24.8%, with the majority of the cases classifying the information as sufficient, although 36.8% classified it as deficient. There were no statistical differences of the vaccination status according to sex, family size, numerical order in the family, or if the children were from an urban zone or a rural zone. However, there was a statistical difference according to the parent's intellectual level. In conclusion, the vaccination coverage found in children up to 4 years old was very suitable, but it was worse in older children. The level of knowledge and attitude was also suitable; however better health and vaccination education is necessary.