P Kriwy1. 1. Economic Sociology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Findelgasse 7-9, 90402, Nuremberg, Germany. peter.kriwy@wiso.uni-erlangen.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study investigates parental decisions to vaccinate their children against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Parent and provider survey data allow the analysis of interactions between these major players in decision making. METHODS: Three datasets are used for analysis: (a) the basic population of the school entry-level health checkup in Munich, Germany; (b) a face-to-face survey with parents of children taking the school entry-level health checkup; (c) a face-to-face survey of the physicians treating these children. Logistic, OLS and multilevel regressions were applied. RESULTS: Homophily due to similar ages of parents and physicians boosts the decision to vaccinate children against MMR. Also in relation to parent-physician interaction, the fact that a physician may be homeopathic has no effect on a parents' decision to immunize, although vaccination-skeptical parents choose physicians who are trained in homeopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to improve the number of parental decisions for vaccination should focus on the educational level of the parents as well as homophily of parents and physicians. Notably, homogeneity of parents and providers concerning age changes decisions in favor of vaccinating.
OBJECTIVES: This study investigates parental decisions to vaccinate their children against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Parent and provider survey data allow the analysis of interactions between these major players in decision making. METHODS: Three datasets are used for analysis: (a) the basic population of the school entry-level health checkup in Munich, Germany; (b) a face-to-face survey with parents of children taking the school entry-level health checkup; (c) a face-to-face survey of the physicians treating these children. Logistic, OLS and multilevel regressions were applied. RESULTS: Homophily due to similar ages of parents and physicians boosts the decision to vaccinate children against MMR. Also in relation to parent-physician interaction, the fact that a physician may be homeopathic has no effect on a parents' decision to immunize, although vaccination-skeptical parents choose physicians who are trained in homeopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to improve the number of parental decisions for vaccination should focus on the educational level of the parents as well as homophily of parents and physicians. Notably, homogeneity of parents and providers concerning age changes decisions in favor of vaccinating.
Authors: Deborah A Gust; Allison Kennedy; Irene Shui; Philip J Smith; Glen Nowak; Larry K Pickering Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2005-08 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: Deborah A Gust; Tara W Strine; Emmanuel Maurice; Philip Smith; Hussain Yusuf; Marilyn Wilkinson; Michael Battaglia; Robert Wright; Benjamin Schwartz Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2004-07 Impact factor: 7.124