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Beliefs and behaviours: understanding chiropractors and immunization
Margaret L Russell1, H Stephen Injeyan, Marja J Verhoef
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alta., Canada T2N 4N1. mlrussel@ucalgary.ca
Vaccine
|November 9, 2004
Summary
Chiropractors hold diverse beliefs about vaccination, influencing whether they advise patients for or against immunization. These behaviors are linked to their views on vaccine safety and individual rights.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Chiropractic Research
- Vaccination Studies
Background:
- Growing concerns exist regarding chiropractor beliefs and behaviors concerning immunization.
- Previous research has not systematically investigated the connection between these beliefs and behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immunization-related behaviors and beliefs among chiropractors in Alberta, Canada.
- To explore the relationship between chiropractors' beliefs and their patient-facing immunization behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A 2002 postal survey of Alberta chiropractors was conducted.
- The survey collected data on specific immunization-related behaviors and chiropractor beliefs/norms.
Main Results:
- The response rate was 78.2% (503/643).
- Approximately 25% advised patients in favor and 27% against immunization.
- Chiropractor pro/anti-vaccination behaviors were associated with beliefs on vaccine efficacy/safety, chiropractic philosophy, and individual rights.
Conclusions:
- Similar proportions of chiropractors advise patients both for and against immunization.
- A small percentage of chiropractors frequently discuss immunization with patients.
- Chiropractor immunization behaviors are explainable through their underlying beliefs.