A Q-methodology study of parental understandings of infant immunisation: Implications for health-care advice

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Social Science Research

Background:

• Parental decision-making regarding infant immunisation is complex and influenced by various factors.
• Understanding parental viewpoints is essential for effective public health strategies and vaccine uptake.
• Previous research has explored vaccine hesitancy, but a systematic exploration of diverse parental judgments is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically explore and identify distinct parental viewpoints on infant immunisation using Q-methodology.
• To uncover the range of judgments parents make concerning childhood vaccinations.
• To inform health-care policy and future research directions related to infant immunisation.

Main Methods:

• Employed Q-methodology to analyse subjective viewpoints on infant immunisation.
• A total of 45 parents participated, completing a 31-statement Q-sort after their child's vaccination.
• Data were collected in general practitioner practices and a private day nursery setting.

Main Results:

• Q factor analysis identified four distinct parental viewpoints: duty based on medical benefits, child-orientated protection driven by parental belief, concern and distress, and surprise at non-compliance.
• A common consensus among parents was the absence of regret regarding their decision to immunise their children.
• Identified viewpoints highlight a spectrum from obligation to personal belief influencing vaccination decisions.

Conclusions:

• Parental judgements about infant immunisation are multifaceted, encompassing a sense of duty, personal beliefs, and emotional responses.
• The lack of regret suggests a generally positive parental experience with infant vaccination.
• Findings provide valuable insights for tailoring health communication strategies and policy development to address diverse parental perspectives on childhood immunisation.