Date of Award
Spring 5-2009
Degree Type
Professional Report
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Field of Study
Community Health
Department
School of Public Health
First Advisor
Dr. Claudia Coggin
Abstract
Objectives-The purpose of this literature review is to identify the health and illness attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that are unique to parents who refuse to vaccinate their children.
Methods-Twelve published studies conducted in the United States between 1998 and 2008 were accumulated from three major database sources: PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Science Direct. Studies were evaluated based on common attitudes, beliefs and behaviors observed in the course of the studies.
Results: A total of ten studies were identified between 1998 and 2008 based on the inclusive criteria provided. Studies included one qualitative study, two case control studies, and seven cross-section studies. Parental concerns with vaccine safety ranged from 6.7%-93.4%, with the highest percentages of concern from parent with unvaccinated children.
Conclusion: Parental trust in vaccinations and their mandating is diminishing in the United States. Various measures are needed to be enforced in order to regain confidence in vaccination safety.
Recommended Citation
Shurtleff, A. E.
,
"Attitudes, Beliefs and Behaviors of Parents towards Childhood Immunizations" Fort Worth, Tx: University of North Texas Health Science Center;
(2009).
http://digitalcommons.hsc.unt.edu/theses/73