The Relationship between Maternal Knowledge and Administering Hepatitis B Immunization in the First 24 Hours to Newborns

Abstract

Background : Hepatitis B immunization in newborns is an important strategy to prevent hepatitis B virus transmission from the beginning of life . The birth dose is recommended as soon as possible after birth , particularly within the first 24 hours . Maternal knowledge regarding the benefits and timing of immunization May contribute to timely immunization practices. Objective : To determine the relationship between maternal knowledge and Hepatitis B immunization within the first 24 hours among newborns. Methods : This study used an observational analytics design with a cross-sectional approach . The study was conducted from May to July 2026 at a healthcare facilities . A total of 109 mothers with newborns who met the inclusion criteria were recruited using consecutive sampling. The independent variable was maternal knowledge , while the dependent variable was timely Hepatitis B immunization within the first 24 hours . Data were collected using knowledge​ questionnaire and immunization observation / documentation records . Data were analyzed using the Chi- square test with a significance level of α=0.05. Results : Sixty-two mothers (56.9%) had good knowledge , 31 mothers (28.4%) had moderate knowledge , and 16 mothers (14.7%) had poor knowledge . Hepatitis B immunization within the first 24 hours was administered to 78 newborns (71.6%), while 31 newborns (28.4%) were not received immunization within this time limit. The proportion of timely immunization was higher among mothers with good knowledge (83.9%) than among those with moderate (64.5%) and poor knowledge (43.8%). The Chi- square test demonstrated a significant relationship between maternal knowledge and Hepatitis B immunization within the first 24 hours (p=0.006). Conclusion : Maternal knowledge was significantly associated with Hepatitis B immunization within the first 24 hours among newborns