Aşı Tereddüdü ve Reddi: Bir Amasya Örneği

Abstract

Objective: This study conducted with parents who have vaccination hesitation or refused to be vaccinated in Amasya is aimed to determine the factors that affected their decision. Material and Methods: In this study, the characteristics of families who refused to vaccinate their children in Amasya in 2019–2020 were questioned and compared with a group of families who had their children vaccinated. Results: In the study group, thinking that there are harmful substances in the vaccine, thinking that the vaccine will harm the child, and not giving confidence because all childhood vaccines come from abroad were stated as the three most expressed reasons for not vaccination. The rate of prenatal screening tests, sugar loading and tetanus vaccine was found to be significantly higher in the study group who refused vaccination compared with the control group. Having negative experiences related to vaccination (OR = 6.57) and not taking measures for communicable diseases (OR = 32.64) were positively associated with not having the vaccine. Conclusion: This study is one of the limited number of studies evaluating parents’ sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward vaccination. Due to the provision and financing of vaccines, families have concerns related to confidence in vaccines. The fact that vaccination is necessary not only for individuals but also for social immunity should be explained to all individuals in society considering modern scientific knowledge.