Nghiên cứu kiến thức và một số yếu tố liên quan về phòng bệnh viêm kết mạc mắt ở trẻ em của bà mẹ có con dưới 5 tuổi tại Thành phố Cần Thơ năm 2024

Conjunctivitis, a rapidly spreading ocular infection, poses a significant public health concern, particularly among children who are highly vulnerable. In 2023, Can Tho City alone recorded 7,832 cases of conjunctivitis, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. A critical component in mitigating the spread and impact of this disease is enhancing the knowledge of mothers, who play a pivotal role in their children's health. This study aims to assess the current knowledge levels and identify associated factors regarding conjunctivitis prevention in children among mothers of children under 5 years old in Can Tho City in 2024, thereby informing targeted public health interventions.

Health policymakers, public health practitioners, healthcare providers focusing on maternal and child health, and organizations involved in health education and community outreach, particularly in regions with similar demographic and epidemiological contexts.

This study investigated the knowledge and associated factors concerning conjunctivitis prevention in children among mothers of children under 5 years old in Can Tho City, given the high incidence of the disease in the region. Employing a cross-sectional descriptive design with analytical elements, the research involved 300 mothers residing in Can Tho City in 2024. The primary objective was to identify current knowledge levels and determinants to inform public health strategies. The findings revealed a significantly low level of correct knowledge among the mothers, with only 25% demonstrating adequate understanding of conjunctivitis prevention. Statistical analysis identified several factors significantly associated with maternal knowledge (p < 0.05). These included religious affiliation (Buddhism and other religions showed higher knowledge), education level (mothers with high school, college, or university education had better knowledge), specific occupations (civil servants/office workers exhibited higher knowledge compared to homemakers), and preferred communication media (Internet and social networks positively influenced knowledge, though traditional TV remained a dominant information source). The study noted particular gaps in understanding disease transmission routes, such as tears and secretions, and certain preventive practices like ensuring adequate sleep. These results underscore a critical need for enhanced community communication and health education programs focused on conjunctivitis prevention. The implications suggest that interventions should be strategically designed to target specific vulnerable groups, including mothers with lower educational attainment, homemakers, and those with certain religious backgrounds. Leveraging diverse communication channels, particularly dominant ones like television for broad reach and internet/social media for younger demographics, is crucial. Such tailored public health initiatives are essential to improve maternal awareness, promote effective preventive behaviors, and ultimately reduce the burden of conjunctivitis in young children within the community.