Comparison of knowledge and attitude on child immunization practices among urban and rural parents

The recent re-emergence of vaccine preventable infectious diseases, such as wild-type Poliovirus, Yellow Fever, Measles, and Pertussis, combined with a nationwide increase of parents/guardians not vaccinating their children proved an impervious need for an in-depth look at the possible contributors, implications and correlation. The purpose of this developmental study is to gain further insight into factors associated child immunizations practices among rural and urban parents, and health care providers. Two geographically distinct counties namely, Washington County (WC), a rural county in Maine; and Cuyahoga County CC), a urban county in Ohio were selected for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with parents (n=15) and pediatric health care providers (n=10) in each county. The preliminary result indicates that parents' education level, generational knowledge, health status of family members, and perceived fear about possible correlation of immunization with with autism influence immunization practices among their children. The health care providers have unique opportunities to promote knowledge among parents, and to implement policies that increase immunization coverage, especially in the rural areas.