Parents' attitudes and refusal towards childhood vaccinations and associated factors

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic characteristics of vaccine refusals in Malatya province, identify reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and guide future intervention efforts. Data for this descriptive study were collected through face-to-face interviews using a socio-demographic form developed by researchers, reasons for non-vaccination, and the short form of the "Turkish Vaccine Hesitancy Scale" and "Parental Attitudes towards Childhood Vaccinations" (PACV) scales. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation test. Vaccine hesitancy was found in 86.0% of parents who did not vaccinate their children. The most common reasons for non-vaccination were "lack of confidence in vaccine content" (65.1%), "observation of side effects in others after vaccination" (19.8%), and "exposure to negative statements about vaccines on social media". As the educational level of both parents increased, non-vaccination due to a lack of confidence in vaccine content was more common. There was no relationship found between the presence of vaccine hesitancy and socio-demographic characteristics. Parents who do not vaccinate have low confidence in vaccines, and the influence of media, particularly press and social media, is significant in vaccination decision-making. Efforts should be made by both healthcare professionals and policymakers to increase confidence in vaccines and prevent access to misinformation about vaccines, thus minimizing vaccine hesitancy.