Parental Attitudes Towards Vaccination and Adolescent Sexual Health - A Cross-sectional Study

Positive parental role modeling is a protective factor for adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Our aim was to investigate parental opinion on adolescents' SRH and vaccination as well as sociodemographic determinants of child-parent communication regarding SRH. This nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey with a random stratified sample included 500 parents from Croatia (74% mothers), with at least one child under 18 years of age. Stratification was performed by (a) region, and (b) size of settlement. Differences were found between parental beliefs regarding quality, safety, and efficacy of vaccines and potential hazardous effects. Although 95% confirmed their child was vaccinated according to the national program, only 12% vaccinated with optional, self-paid vaccines (excluding human papillomavirus). Almost every third parent was not acquainted with SRH, more commonly fathers. The preferred sources of information for parents regarding SRH were friends, followed by the media and professional healthcare sources, while communication with adolescents was reported by 84% respondents. More than 10% parents claimed that their child did not have accurate knowledge regarding SRH. Our study confirms predominantly positive parental attitudes vaccination and communication with adolescents regarding SRH. We emphasize the importance of effective parental engagement and indicate the need for educational interventions to strengthen knowledge on immunization and SRH.