OBJECTIVES: Adolescent immunizations such as human papillomavirus vaccine have been implemented through school based immunization programs (SBIPs) in Australia. We assessed community attitudes toward immunization of adolescents though SBIPs. METHODS: A cross-sectional population survey of rural and metropolitan households in South Australia in 2011. Univariate and multiple regression analyses identified predictors of support for a SBIP. RESULTS: Participation rate was 57.3% with 1926 adults interviewed. Overall, 75.9% regarded school as the best place to offer adolescent immunizations, with 16.4% preferring the family physician. Parents of high school students were most supportive (88.4%) of a SBIP with 87.9% of their adolescents reported as having participated in the program. Adults 18-34 years (79.4%) were more likely to support a SBIP compared to older adults (68.7% of >55 years) [adjusted OR=2.39, p=0.002] and men were more supportive (80.3%) than women (71.7%) [adjusted OR=1.54, p=0.003]. Reasons for participation in the SBIP included convenience (39.9%), public funding for the service (32.4%), and confidence in immunization recommendations (21.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Public support for the SBIP was very high particularly amongst parents whose adolescent/s had participated in the program.
OBJECTIVES: Adolescent immunizations such as human papillomavirus vaccine have been implemented through school based immunization programs (SBIPs) in Australia. We assessed community attitudes toward immunization of adolescents though SBIPs. METHODS: A cross-sectional population survey of rural and metropolitan households in South Australia in 2011. Univariate and multiple regression analyses identified predictors of support for a SBIP. RESULTS: Participation rate was 57.3% with 1926 adults interviewed. Overall, 75.9% regarded school as the best place to offer adolescent immunizations, with 16.4% preferring the family physician. Parents of high school students were most supportive (88.4%) of a SBIP with 87.9% of their adolescents reported as having participated in the program. Adults 18-34 years (79.4%) were more likely to support a SBIP compared to older adults (68.7% of >55 years) [adjusted OR=2.39, p=0.002] and men were more supportive (80.3%) than women (71.7%) [adjusted OR=1.54, p=0.003]. Reasons for participation in the SBIP included convenience (39.9%), public funding for the service (32.4%), and confidence in immunization recommendations (21.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Public support for the SBIP was very high particularly amongst parents whose adolescent/s had participated in the program.
Authors: S Rachel Skinner; Cristyn Davies; Spring Cooper; Tanya Stoney; Helen Marshall; Jane Jones; Joanne Collins; Heidi Hutton; Adriana Parrella; Gregory Zimet; David G Regan; Patti Whyte; Julia M L Brotherton; Peter Richmond; Kirsten McCaffrey; Suzanne M Garland; Julie Leask; Melissa Kang; Annette Braunack-Mayer; John Kaldor; Kevin McGeechan Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2015-09-15 Impact factor: 3.295