Determinants of parents' decision to vaccinate their children against rotavirus: results of a longitudinal study

Abstract

Rotavirus disease is a common cause of health care utilization and almost all children are affected by the age of 5 years. In Canada, at the time of this survey (2008-09), immunization rates for rotavirus were <20%. We assessed the determinants of a parent's acceptance to have their child immunized against rotavirus. The survey instruments were based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Data were collected in two phases. In all, 413 and 394 parents completed the first and second interviews, respectively (retention rate 95%). Most parents (67%) intended to immunize their child against rotavirus. Factors significantly associated with parental intentions (Phase 1) were as follows: perception of the moral correctness of having their child immunized (personal normative belief) and perception that significant others will approve of the immunization behavior (subjective norm), perceived capability of having their child immunized (perceived behavioral control) and household income. At Phase 2, 165 parents (42%) reported that their child was immunized against rotavirus. The main determinant of vaccination behavior was parental intention to have their child vaccinated, whereas personal normative beliefs influenced both intention and behavior. The acceptability of the rotavirus vaccine will be higher if health promotion addresses parental knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding the disease and the vaccine.

Introduction of rotavirus vaccination in a Swedish region: assessing parental decision‐making, obtained vaccination coverage and resulting hospital admissions

“…Furthermore, a good relationship between parents and healthcare professionals has been described to be essential for the parents to make a well‐informed decision . In line with previous research, parents who have been given information from a nurse or a physician regarding vaccines are generally more positive towards vaccinations , and such professional information is requested when parents make the decision on whether to vaccinate or not . Our results emphasise the importance of the healthcare professionals when it comes to informing the parents.…”

“…In this study, results regarding knowledge and beliefs are in line with previous studies from Stockholm, Sweden and other countries . According to the national programme for Child Health Services in Sweden, the Child Health nurses meet with the parents within the first couple of weeks after delivery and thereafter on regular, structured health visits.…”

“…The parents had to be able to understand the instructions in the information letter and other material distributed to be able to participate. In accordance with previous research , the parental age distributions are presented in three groups, <30 years, 30–39 years and >40 years. The overall outcome of the analysis was the question on the intention to vaccinate.…”

Receiving early information and trusting Swedish child health centre nurses increased parents’ willingness to vaccinate against rotavirus infections

“…(11)(12)(13)(14) This finding is probably specific to Sweden (15), where child health nurses play a key role in how child healthcare is provided and have frequent and close contact with the parents of small children. However, in previous European studies, the health professional has been a doctor and not a nurse.…”

Vaccine hesitancy

“…Studies have shown that individuals who delayed or refused vaccines are significantly more likely to have looked for vaccine information on the Internet. 44,70 The results of one large-scale experimental study done by Betsch and collaborators have shown that surfing on an anti-vaccination website for 5-10 min had a negative influence on risk perceptions regarding vaccinations and on the decision to vaccinate one's child. 71 However, more research is needed to assess whether individuals who already professionals' knowledge and attitudes about vaccines have previously been shown to be an important determinant of their own vaccine uptake, their intention to recommend the vaccine to their patients and the vaccine uptake of their patients.…”