M E Díaz Crescitelli1, L Ghirotto2, H Sisson3, L Sarli4, G Artioli2, M C Bassi2, G Appicciutoli2, M Hayter3. 1. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy. Electronic address: Diaz.matias1986@gmail.com. 2. Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Italy. 3. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, UK. 4. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective interventions to improve health outcomes. However, internationally, the phenomenon of parental vaccine hesitancy is increasing and presents a growing challenge for health professionals. This article summarizes the evidence surrounding childhood vaccine hesitancy from the perspective of parents. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. METHODS: We searched for qualitative research articles in electronic databases from inception to March 2018. In addition, a manual search of the retrieved articles and their references was conducted to identify other potential articles. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme to examine study validity, adequacy and potential applicability of the results. No articles were excluded for reasons of quality. By performing a meta-synthesis, we identified descriptive themes and, subsequently, the conceptual elements of vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: The review included 27 studies involving a total of 1557 parents who were hesitant about vaccinating their child. Five overarching categories were identified: (1) risk conceptualization; (2) mistrust towards vaccine-related institutions, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, health professionals and the information from media; (3) parental alternative health beliefs about childhood immunity, vaccine scheduling and the perceived toxicity of vaccinations; (4) philosophical views on parental responsibility; and (5) parents' information levels about vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers need to approach this difficult situation considering that parents desire to do what they feel right for the child. Understanding the core elements of hesitancy will allow health professionals to adopt effective communication and behavioural strategies.
OBJECTIVES: Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective interventions to improve health outcomes. However, internationally, the phenomenon of parental vaccine hesitancy is increasing and presents a growing challenge for health professionals. This article summarizes the evidence surrounding childhood vaccine hesitancy from the perspective of parents. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. METHODS: We searched for qualitative research articles in electronic databases from inception to March 2018. In addition, a manual search of the retrieved articles and their references was conducted to identify other potential articles. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme to examine study validity, adequacy and potential applicability of the results. No articles were excluded for reasons of quality. By performing a meta-synthesis, we identified descriptive themes and, subsequently, the conceptual elements of vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: The review included 27 studies involving a total of 1557 parents who were hesitant about vaccinating their child. Five overarching categories were identified: (1) risk conceptualization; (2) mistrust towards vaccine-related institutions, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, health professionals and the information from media; (3) parental alternative health beliefs about childhood immunity, vaccine scheduling and the perceived toxicity of vaccinations; (4) philosophical views on parental responsibility; and (5) parents' information levels about vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers need to approach this difficult situation considering that parents desire to do what they feel right for the child. Understanding the core elements of hesitancy will allow health professionals to adopt effective communication and behavioural strategies.
Authors: Anna Soveri; Linda C Karlsson; Otto Mäki; Jan Antfolk; Otto Waris; Hasse Karlsson; Linnea Karlsson; Mikael Lindfelt; Stephan Lewandowsky Journal: PLoS One Date: 2020-07-27 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Omid V Ebrahimi; Miriam S Johnson; Sara Ebling; Ole Myklebust Amundsen; Øyvind Halsøy; Asle Hoffart; Nora Skjerdingstad; Sverre Urnes Johnson Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2021-07-01