Subjectivity of Parents in Refusal of Childhood Vaccination: A Q-methodology Approach

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Despite the well-known public health benefits of vaccination, increasing public concern about the safety of childhood vaccinations has led some parents to refuse or hesitate having their children immunized. The purpose of this study was to identify the subjectivity of parents toward refusal of childhood vaccination. METHODS: Q-methodology, in which subjective viewpoints are explored and analyzed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques, was used. Thirty-five participants were asked to rank 42 statements on diverse issues of childhood vaccination according to a continuous 9-point scale ranging from -4 for strongly disagree to +4 for strongly agree. Collected data was analyzed using the PC-QUANAL program. RESULTS: The results revealed three discrete groups of parents in the refusal of children's immunization: type I, distrust; type II, concern about side effects, and type III, belief that vaccinations are unnecessary. CONCLUSION: Special nurse counselors who can provide correct information about vaccination based on the three types should be part of the government policy. Customized education programs to shift viewpoints should be also redeveloped according to the results in this study.