scholarly journals Parental concerns and uptake of childhood vaccines in rural Tanzania – a mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavanya Vasudevan ◽  
Joy Noel Baumgartner ◽  
Sara Moses ◽  
Esther Ngadaya ◽  
Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy has been recognized as an important barrier to timely vaccinations around the world, including in sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, 1 in 4 children is not fully vaccinated. The objective of this mixed methods study was to describe and contextualize parental concerns towards vaccines in Tanzania. Methods Between 2016 and 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional survey (n = 134) and four focus group discussions (FGDs, n = 38) with mothers of children under 2 years of age residing in Mtwara region in Southern Tanzania. The survey and FGDs assessed vaccination knowledge and concerns and barriers to timely vaccinations. Vaccination information was obtained from government-issued vaccination cards. Results In the cross-sectional survey, 72% of mothers reported missed or delayed receipt of vaccines for their child. Although vaccine coverage was high, timeliness of vaccinations was lower and varied by vaccine. Rural mothers reported more vaccine-related concerns compared to urban mothers; literacy and access to information were identified as key drivers of the difference. Mothers participating in FGDs indicated high perceived risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses, but expressed concerns related to poor geographic accessibility, unreliability of services, and missed opportunities for vaccinations resulting from provider efforts to minimize vaccine wastage. Conclusions Findings from our cross-sectional survey indicate the presence of vaccination delays and maternal concerns related to childhood vaccines in Tanzania. In FGDs, mothers raised issues related to convenience more often than issues related to vaccine confidence or complacency. Further research is necessary to understand how these issues may contribute to the emergence and persistence of vaccine hesitancy and to identify effective mitigation strategies.

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697349
Author(s):  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  

BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis and their information needs.MethodMixed methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary care, secondary care and advertising. Adults aged 18 or over with a history of cellulitis (first or recurrent) were invited to complete a survey, take part in an interview or both. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data revealed low prior awareness of cellulitis, uncertainty around diagnosis, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised they had never heard of the condition and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this bewildering. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, while most people received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need for provision of basic information for people with cellulitis, particularly being informed of the name of their condition, how to manage acute episodes, and how to reduce risk of recurrence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S677-S677
Author(s):  
Marisa Orbea ◽  
Rachel Cunningham ◽  
C Mary Healy ◽  
Julie A Boom ◽  
Claire Bocchini

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy (VH) is hindering nationwide vaccination efforts; little is known about caregiver SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance for children. We aimed to identify associations with SARS-CoV-2 VH in caregivers of hospitalized children. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey in English and Spanish of caregiver COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and associated VH among hospitalized children 6 months - 18 years at a large pediatric medical institution. Parents were approached daily, averaging 4-5 days/week, from 12/8/2020--4/5/2021. VH was assessed using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey; PACV score ≥50 denoted VH. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used. Responses were categorized. Results 295/307 (96%) of approached caregivers enrolled; 79% were ≥ 30 years, 68% were married/ living with a partner, and 57% had at least some college. 36% identified as white, 19% Black, and 46% Hispanic/ Latino. 53% of caregiver children had public insurance. 91% of caregivers self-reported their children were up to date with routine vaccines. 17% of caregivers were vaccine-hesitant overall. 50% of caregivers were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine themselves. Figure 1 shows intention to vaccinate their child by PACV score. 65% knew someone who was hospitalized for COVID-19. 67% were scared of their child getting COVID-19. However, 49% were scared of their child getting the vaccine, 28% did not want to vaccinate their child and 27% were neutral in the intention to vaccinate their child. Caregivers who did not intend to vaccinate their child were more likely to be Black (27% vs. 16%, p=0.04) and less likely to be Hispanic/ Latino (33% vs. 49%, p=0.02). Table 1 shows attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine in caregivers who did or did not intend to vaccinate their child. Figure 1 COVID-19 vaccine uptake by PACV score Table 1 Caregiver attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine Conclusion The majority of caregivers believe that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will help control the pandemic, but less than half plan to vaccinate their children. A quarter of caregivers expressed uncertainty regarding the vaccine and therefore may be amenable to education and discussion. COVID-19 VH is different from VH towards routine vaccinations. More research is needed to address COVID-19 specific VH. Disclosures C. Mary Healy, MD, Dexcom (Shareholder)Intuitive (Shareholder)Quidel Corporation (Shareholder)Up to Date (Other Financial or Material Support, Honorarium)Vapotherm (Shareholder)


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Massimi ◽  
A Rosso ◽  
C De Vito ◽  
C Marzuillo ◽  
V Baccolini ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pregnancy is widely recognized as a ’teachable moment’ since attitudes and beliefs about childhood vaccines are not completely structured. Among healthcare workers (HCWs), midwives play a pivotal role in the maternal care pathway and should have a key role also in promoting opportunities of discussion and correct information about vaccinations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess knowledge and attitudes of a sample of Italian midwives towards vaccinations. A questionnaire was designed ad hoc and sent electronically to midwives members of the professional register of Rome. Results Preliminary results on data collected from 140 midwives (mean age 37.32, DS ± 11.61; mean years on the job: 11.94 DS ± 12.78) who completed the survey showed a heterogeneous level of knowledge: only 50% of the sample indicated the correct threshold of vaccination coverage for herd immunity, while safety of multiple shots and of the additives contained in vaccines was reported by 61% and 31% of respondents, respectively. Only 41% of midwives had identified the pertussis vaccine as one of the vaccinations recommended during pregnancy. Attitudes were generally positive: 84% of respondents recognized recommended vaccines as effective and 86% as one of the safest health interventions. However, vaccinations against MMR and Varicella were perceived as useful by 86% and 71% of the midwives, while 89% and 77%, respectively, would recommend them to parents (compared to 96% in case of hexavalent). Globally, 79% of respondents would agree with the introduction of mandatory vaccinations for HCWs in maternity wards. Conclusions Midwives show some gaps in the knowledge on vaccinations. The final results of this study will be used to build specific and tailored training programs directed to midwives involved in pregnancy management. This may help them to transfer the correct vaccination information for the empowerment and the growth of vaccine literacy. Key messages Pregnancy is a strategic teachable moment to influence attitudes regarding childhood vaccinations and healthcare professionals must be trained to be the vehicle of the most accurate information. Specific under- and post-graduate training courses on vaccinations directed to midwives are strongly needed to ensure good level of knowledge on this topic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 216495612110375
Author(s):  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
Kate Templeman ◽  
Amy Forth ◽  
Vicki Kotsirilos ◽  
Gillian Singleton ◽  
...  

Background Globally, a substantial proportion of general practitioners (GPs) incorporate integrative medicine (IM) into their clinical practice. Objective This study aimed to map the IM education and training pathways and needs of a cohort of Australian GPs who are members of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ IM Specific Interest Network, which is a group of GPs with interest in IM. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study comprising of an online, cross-sectional survey supplemented with in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data from the survey and interviews were initially analysed separately and then combined. Results Eighty-three (83) of 505 eligible GPs/GPs in training (16.4%) participated in the survey, and 15 GPs were interviewed. Results from the two datasets either converged or were complementary. Almost half (47%) of survey respondents had undertaken formal undergraduate or postgraduate IM education, a short course (63%), informal education (71%) or self-education (54%), in at least one of 20 IM modalities listed. Interviewees affirmed there was no single education pathway in IM. Survey respondents who identified as practicing IM were significantly more likely to have IM education, positive attitudes towards IM, particularly natural products, and higher self-rated IM knowledge and competencies. However, knowledge gaps were identified in professional skills domains of population health and context, and organisational and legal dimensions of applied IM practice. Interviewees also highlighted a range of professional and systemic barriers to the practice of IM, education, and training. There was broad support for recognition of IM as a sub-specialty through formalised post-graduate training and accreditation. Most survey respondents (62%) expressed interest in post-fellowship recognition of GPs with advanced skills in IM. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that it is important to define best practice in IM for GPs in Australia and provide a standardised pathway towards recognition of advanced skills in IM.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela YM Leung ◽  
Cindy S. U Leong ◽  
Pak Leng Cheong ◽  
Alice S. M. Tsang ◽  
Bernice O. C. Lam Nogueira ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: As population ageing and dementia incidence continue to increase worldwide, health systems are urged to empower the public to address factors related to dementia. This study aims to assess Macau citizens’ knowledge of dementia, attitudes towards persons with dementia, and help-seeking behaviours and intention toward dementia.Methods: This is a mixed-methods study with both quantitative (cross-sectional survey) and qualitative components (focus group interviews). The Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) were utilized in the quantitative data collection, whereas focus group interviews were employed to gather context-specific understanding of dementia in the local setting. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data.Results: The overall level of knowledge on dementia was low (ADKS mean total score = 17.38, SD = 3.31), with the least amount of knowledge in the caregiving domain. Meanwhile, attitudes toward persons with dementia was generally positive (mean [SD] = 89.07 [11.99]). Many of the focus group participants were also uncertain regarding the availability of dementia services in the region. The general public was interested to obtain dementia information through social media.Conclusions: Efforts should be made to build up dementia literacy in Macau, especially in terms of caregiving. Information about dementia could be disseminated in social media and by healthcare professionals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (681) ◽  
pp. e279-e286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  

BackgroundCellulitis is a painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues, commonly affecting the lower leg. Approximately one-third of people experience recurrence. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis, and their information needs.Design and settingMixed-methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and a cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary and secondary care, and advertising.MethodAdults aged ≥18 years with a history of cellulitis were invited to take part in a survey, qualitative interview, or both.ResultsIn all, 30 interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data highlighted a low awareness of cellulitis before the first episode, uncertainty about when it had been diagnosed, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and a perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised that they had never heard of cellulitis and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this confusing.A total of 240 surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, although many participants had received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they often reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need to provide information for people with cellulitis, particularly in regard to naming their condition, the management of acute episodes, and how to reduce the risk of recurrences.


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