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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Marie Tarrant, RN MPH PhD, Department of Nursing Studies, University of Hong Kong, 4/F, William M. W. Mong Block, Faculty of Medicine, 21 Sassoon Rd., Hong Kong, 00000, Hong Kong, +852 2819 2643, tarrantm@hku.hk

The aim of this study was to explore childhood immunizations with a sample of parents from a population where children have high vaccination coverage and to identify factors which might encourage uptake in other populations. This research was conducted as part of a larger study on childhood immunizations in Hong Kong. In-depth interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of parents (n=15) to further explore general perceptions and health beliefs about childhood immunizations. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis techniques and four core themes emerged from the data: individual influences, family influences, societal influences, and system influences. Parents readily admitted knowledge deficits concerning childhood vaccines but believed that the benefits of immunization outweighed the risks. Family members and peers were a source of pro-immunization advice and comprehensive public health programs and mandatory vaccination requirements for school entry ensured that childhood immunization recommendations were followed. Overall, Hong Kong parents are highly supportive of immunization programs and insight gained from this study could prove helpful to providers trying to improve uptake rates among other populations.

Learning Objectives:

• To identify the health beliefs and perceptions of Hong Kong parents toward childhood immunizations.
• To identify factors that may encourage vaccine uptake in other populations.

Keywords: Child Health, Immunizations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation