Factors Related to the Parental Decision in Conducting Measles-Rubella Vaccination to the Children in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination was declared haram by the Indonesian Ulema Council. However, it can still be used in an emergency. This makes parents hesitate to vaccinate their children with measles and rubella vaccine. In addition, various effects of Measles and Rubella vaccination like autism, fever, and death are also spread on social media. Vaccination is one of the interventions in the health sector that is expected to reduce mortality from preventable diseases by vaccination, including measles and rubella. This study used a qualitative descriptive research method with a participatory approach, carried out from October to December 2020, in Tompobulu and Tinggimoncong Sub-District, Gowa District South Sulawesi. The research informants were 32 people consisting of parents who had children aged 9-30 months old. The results showed that the parental decision to vaccinate their children with MR depended on the understanding obtained (source of information), attitudes and beliefs of parents, social capital, and lifestyle. An appropriate understanding encouraged parents to do MR vaccination on their children. Negative attitudes might influence parents to refuse MR vaccination. It is expected that health workers will conduct socialization and provide appropriate information regarding vaccinations given to children.