Evaluation of Vaccine Hesitancy in Tabuk Population, Saudi Arabia
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Research Professionals - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 6
Abstract
Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy is a significant problem worldwide. Recent studies reported an increasing safety concerns and lack of confidence in the vaccination programs. The objectives of this study are to explore the perception of immunization and to investigate the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in Tabuk population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in five primary schools in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire about parental perception and attitudes towards immunization was sent with each school pupil, to be filled by one of his parents at home and then to be returned on the next day. The questionnaire responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA) version 20. Results: About 7% of the parents decided not to have their child get a shot for reasons other than illness or allergy, and 23% reported a delayed vaccination. About 64% of fathers and 48% of mothers believe that it is better for children to develop immunity by getting sick than by getting shots (p= 0.002). Concerns about shot-induced side effects were higher among fathers (69%) than mothers (54%); p= 0.003. Vaccine hesitancy is not related to gender, educational attainment or parental income. The parents who have safety concerns are more likely to report vaccination delay, missed doses, and wrong beliefs about vaccine efficacy compared to those who are not (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Vaccine hesitancy is a common problem in Tabuk City. Health education programs are recommended to increase awareness of the community about the importance of immunization.
Authors and Affiliations
Waleed Essam Saleh, Saleh Hammad Alhawiti, Omar Atallah Alatawi, Fwaz Hasn Alamri, Ali Meteeb Albalawi, Tarig H Merghani
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP548371
- DOI 10.21276/ijmrp.2017.3.6.005
- Views 100
- Downloads 0
Clinical and Radiological Assessment of Intraarticular Displaced Calcaneum Fractures Operated with Locking Branched Calcaneal Plate: A Prospective Study
Background: Calcaneal fractures are common, but are difficult to manage. Immediate concern is soft tissue problems, while long term concern is pain as sequelae of subtalar arthritis. A consensus has not been reached in t...
Evaluation of Biochemical, Haematological Parameters and Noninvasive Prognostic Scores in Alcoholic Liver Disease with and without Complications
Background: Chronic and excessive alcohol ingestion is one of the major causes of liver disease in the industrialized nations. The spectrum of pathology of alcoholic liver injury ranges from fatty liver to alcoholic hepa...
Study on Impact of Perforation Size of Tympanic Membrane on Hearing Loss and Audiological Outcome after Closure in Patients with Chronic Otitis Media
Background and Objectives: Chronic otitis media (COM) is an important and a highly prevalent disease of the middle ear and poses serious health problem worldwide especially in developing countries. Chronic otitis media w...
Comparative Study of Surgical Outcome in Case of Primary Pterygium By Bare Sclera Excision & Conj. Autografting
Aim: To evaluate and analyze the surgical outcome of Simple pterygium excision (Bare sclera method) and Conjunctival Autografting (CAG). Design: Prospective Randomized control trial, hospital based study. Materials and M...
Assessment of Nutritional Status and Change in Lean Body Weight in Head & Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Introduction: The incidence of malnutrition among cancer patients has been estimated at between 40 and 80%. Malnutrition is a common problem in patients with Head and Neck Cancer. During treatment (Radiotherapy alone or...