Knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with the awareness of caregivers of under-five children regarding the malaria vaccine in the Tiko Health District, Cameroon
A community-based cross-sectional study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19592525 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Maureen Abiache Idang (University of Buea), Divine Nsobinenyui (University of Bamenda), Chrisantus Eweh Ukah (0009-0006-9996-2833, University of Buea, corresponding author), Larissa Kumenyuy Yunika (0000-0001-5772-5836, University of Buea), Claudia Ngeha Ngu (0009-0005-0515-3377, University of Buea), Randolf Fuanghene Wefuan (0009-0008-8525-4339, University of Buea), Syveline Zuh Dang (0009-0009-0785-4379), Ndip Esther Ndip (University of Buea), Mirabelle Pandong Feguem (University of Buea), Claudine Mulih Shei (0009-0007-7268-9109, University of Buea), Dickson S Nsagha (University of Buea) |
| Editors | Ruth Ashton (0000-0001-6282-0352) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | e0004659 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-04 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | PLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375 |
| Publisher | Public Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004659 |
| PMID | 41779824 |
| OpenAlex | W7133557000 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 27 |
Despite progress in malaria control, malaria remains a major public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among children under five. The introduction of malaria vaccines, including RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) and the recently WHO-recommended R21/Matrix-M, offers renewed hope for reducing malaria morbidity and mortality. The effectiveness of these vaccines, however, depends largely on caregivers’ awareness, knowledge, and attitudes. This study assessed caregivers’ knowledge and attitudes, and the factors associated with awareness of the malaria vaccine in the Tiko Health District of Cameroon. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 caregivers of children aged 0–5 years who were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized participants’ characteristics, and knowledge and attitude scores were generated using a structured scoring system with a 60% cut-off defining adequate knowledge and positive attitudes. Logistic regression analysis identified factors independently associated with malaria vaccine awareness with statistical significance set at p
Descriptive statistics · Health care · Immunization · Logistic regression · Malaria · Malaria vaccine · Public health · Statistical significance · Vaccination · Immune responses and vaccinations · Malaria Research and Control · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
Historical Origins of the Health Belief Model
Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model
Setting up a data system for monitoring malaria vaccine introduction readiness and uptake in 42 health districts in Cameroon
Transition from hospital to home care for preterm babies
Malaria in under-five children
Knowledge and perceptions towards malaria prevention among vulnerable groups in the Buea Health District, Cameroon
Parental concerns and uptake of childhood vaccines in rural Tanzania – a mixed methods study
| Highly cited | No |
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