1 research outputs found
Determinants of parents’ decision to vaccinate their children against rotavirus : results of a longitudinal study
Rotavirus disease is a common cause of health
care utilization and almost all children are affected
by the age of 5 years. In Canada, at the
time of this survey (2008–09), immunization rates
for rotavirus were <20%.We assessed the determinants
of a parent’s acceptance to have their
child immunized against rotavirus. The survey
instruments were based on the Theory of
Planned Behavior. Data were collected in two
phases. In all, 413 and 394 parents completed
the first and second interviews, respectively (retention
rate 95%). Most parents (67%) intended
to immunize their child against rotavirus.
Factors significantly associated with parental intentions
(Phase 1) were as follows: perception of
the moral correctness of having their child
immunized (personal normative belief) and perception
that significant others will approve of the
immunization behavior (subjective norm), perceived
capability of having their child immunized
(perceived behavioral control) and household
income. At Phase 2, 165 parents (42%) reported
that their child was immunized against rotavirus.
The main determinant of vaccination behavior
was parental intention to have their child vaccinated,
whereas personal normative beliefs influenced
both intention and behavior. The
acceptability of the rotavirus vaccine will be
higher if health promotion addresses parental
knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding the
disease and the vaccine.Medicine, Faculty ofPediatrics, Department ofNon UBCReviewedFacult