Maternal concerns about immunization over 0–24 month children: a qualitative research

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the concerns of mothers referred to health center in south Tehran, Iran about immunizing children aged 0-24 months. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The mothers' concerns over immunizing their children fell into 5 main categories: (1) "Factors that cause mothers' concerns," (2) "Factors that influence mothers' concerns," (3) "Information, education, and communication barriers," (4) "Informational/educational needs and sources," and (5) "The necessity of childhood vaccinations." According to study findings, mothers consider immunizing children important and they have enough trust in the health system. A deep understanding of maternal concerns about immunizing their children at 0-24 months allows nurses to reduce mothers' concerns by removing communication barriers and providing appropriate and adequate information.

Parents' and informal caregivers' views and experiences of communication about routine childhood vaccination: a synthesis of qualitative evidence

“…Many studies attested to the important role of health workers in providing vaccination information to parents (Berhanel 2000; Guillaume 2004; McMurray 2004; Benin 2006; Hilton 2007; Tickner 2007; Gust 2008; Miller 2008; Tadesse 2009; Austvoll-Dahlgren 2010; Tickner 2010; Bond 2011; Brunson 2013; Brown 2014; Delkhosh 2014; Fadda 2015; Harmsen 2015; Kowal 2015; Saada 2015; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016). For parents who accepted vaccination, these health workers worked within the allopathic health system and were public health nurses, paediatricians, general practitioners and general health workers (Guillaume 2004; McMurray 2004; Benin 2006; Tickner 2007; Gust 2008; Miller 2008; Tadesse 2009; Austvoll-Dahlgren 2010; Brunson 2013; Delkhosh 2014; Fadda 2015; Harmsen 2015; Kowal 2015; Saada 2015; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016).…”

“…A number of studies discussed parents' expectations of health workers in relation to communicating information about vaccination (Bond 1998; Berhanel 2000; Evans 2001; Guillaume 2004; McMurray 2004; Shui 2005; Benin 2006; Fowler 2007; Tickner 2007; Austin 2008; Gust 2008; Henderson 2008; Miller 2008; Tadesse 2009; Austvoll-Dahlgren 2010; Tickner 2010; Bond 2011; Brown 2012; Harmsen 2012; Hussain 2012; Brown 2014; Delkhosh 2014; Brunson 2015; Fadda 2015; Harmsen 2015; Kowal 2015; Saada 2015; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016). The studies suggested that many parents expected:…”

“…good, clear answers to their questions (McMurray 2004; Austvoll-Dahlgren 2010; Hussain 2012; Brown 2014; Delkhosh 2014; Brunson 2015; Fadda 2015);long, open discussions where they felt listened to (Bond 1998; Evans 2001; Benin 2006; Austin 2008; Gust 2008; Bond 2011; Delkhosh 2014; Brunson 2015; Fadda 2015; Saada 2015; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016);a knowledgeable health worker with the correct information (Benin 2006; Delkhosh 2014; Brunson 2015; Fadda 2015; Dube 2016);consideration of their individual needs, using a 'whole person' approach (Benin 2006; Brunson 2015; Saada 2015; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016);friendly, caring, sensitive and supportive health workers with good interpersonal communication skills (Bond 1998; Berhanel 2000; Shui 2005; Fowler 2007; Henderson 2008; Tadesse 2009; Bond 2011; Delkhosh 2014; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016);advice supported by evidence (Brown 2012; Fadda 2015; Dube 2016);a good, supportive relationship not based on the vaccination status of their children (Guillaume 2004; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016);long appointments (Shui 2005; Tickner 2010; Harmsen 2012; Harmsen 2015; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016);empathy with their parental responsibility in making the decision (Harmsen 2012; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016);explanations about health workers' actions during a vaccination appointment (Miller 2008; Harmsen 2015; Kowal 2015);availability of information from health workers (Shui 2005; Dube 2016);treatment as a partner in their child's care (Evans 2001; Shui 2005; Saada 2015; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016). …”

“…good, clear answers to their questions (McMurray 2004; Austvoll-Dahlgren 2010; Hussain 2012; Brown 2014; Delkhosh 2014; Brunson 2015; Fadda 2015);…”

“…long, open discussions where they felt listened to (Bond 1998; Evans 2001; Benin 2006; Austin 2008; Gust 2008; Bond 2011; Delkhosh 2014; Brunson 2015; Fadda 2015; Saada 2015; Dube 2016; Sobo 2016);…”