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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ateesha D. Jackson, Master of Public Health Program, Morehouse School of Medicine, 165 N. Fayette Dr., Fayetteville, GA 30214, 6784803404, teesh7645@aol.com

Health disparities exist at an alarming rate in the United States. The 2004 National Healthcare Disparities Report identified African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders as minority populations at greater risk for barriers to healthcare utilization. Recognizing that inequalities in healthcare and health outcomes among these groups continue to exist, the goal of Healthy People 2010 is to eliminate disparities. It has defined immunization rates as one of the leading health indicators of whether this goal has been met. The purpose of this study is: (1) to examine if parents attitudes and beliefs toward immunization have an affect on their child's immunization rate, and (2) to determine if access to healthcare barriers impacted childhood immunization rates among minority populations. This study aimed to identify parent reported structural, personal, and belief barriers associated with the under-immunization of minority children. A survey was designed and distributed at the College Park Regional Health Center associated with the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness in Atlanta, Georgia. One hundred fifty-one surveys were analyzed. Ninety-three percent of parents had positive beliefs towards immunizations. However, only sixty-six percent of children had up-to-date immunization records. Access to care barriers accounted for the difference with approximately thirty percent of parents indicating that they experiences barriers. Parents reported experiencing more personal barriers than structural barriers. This highlights the complex entanglement of health disparities and the impact social determinants have on health status.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• Identify parents’ attitudes and beliefs toward childhood immunizations.;
• Discuss how parents’ attitudes and beliefs toward childhood immunization impact their child’s immunization status.; and
• Define perceived barrier differences between children up-to-date on their immunizations and those children behind on their immunizations.

Keywords: Access to Care, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No