Vaccination Status of Children Hospitalized for Measles: Parental Vaccination Refusal and Related Factors

OpenAlex İngilizce

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection with potentially serious complications (7,8).Although it has a safe and effective vaccine, it remains a major cause of death among young children worldwide.According to WHO data, more than 140,000 people died of measles in 2018 (9).In 2019, 2,785 cases of measles were reported in Turkey, 197,683 in the African Region, and 429,650 worldwide (10).The WHO emphasizes the necessity of vaccination against measles for all vulnerable children and adults.It is ABS TRACTAim: This study investigated the vaccination status of those children who received inpatient treatment due to measles and explored the beliefs and practices of their parents related to the refusal of childhood vaccines. Materials and Methods:This study was a descriptive research performed at a training and research hospital in eastern Turkey.The study data were collected from the parents of children with measles who were receiving inpatient treatment.In this study, the introductory information form and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used.Results: The results revealed that 61.8% of those children with measles had not been vaccinated against measles.Factors that played a role in the parents' vaccine refusal included family elders' unwillingness, negative media reports, the side effects of vaccines, and negative attitudes towards health care workers.Parents with poor socio-economic status, low educational status, and extended family types were found to have significantly higher rates of vaccine refusal.The parents had an average state anxiety score of 60.15±5.73 and an average trait anxiety score of 50.21±3.33.Conclusion: Many factors were found to influence the causes of parents not having their children vaccinated.Community-based training is needed to address the parents' misconceptions, concerns, and lack of knowledge about vaccinations.Renewing policies on vaccinations, establishing standards, and imposing legal sanctions can be effective in reducing vaccine refusal rates.