CAUSES AND EFFECT OF NEGATIVE ATTITUDE TO IMMUNIZATION AMONG COUPLES

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE ATTITUDE TO IMMUNISATION AMONG COUPLES

ABSTRACT

This research examines the factors contributing to negative attitudes towards immunization among couples and explores the potential effects of these attitudes on immunization decision-making.  A sample of parents with at least one child aged < or =6 years (n = 642) was analyzed using data from the HealthStyles survey conducted during July and August 2003. Odds ratios and the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test were used for analysis. The response rate for HealthStyles was 69% (4035/5845). The largest proportion of parents agreed they had access to enough information (67%) compared to parents who were neutral (20%) or who disagreed (13%). Compared to parents who agreed, parents who disagreed were more likely to be less confident in the safety of childhood vaccines (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.3–8.9)  and to disagree that their child's main healthcare provider is easy to talk to (OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 3.7–28.1). There was a significant linear trend in the percentage of parents expressing immunization concerns among those who agreed, were neutral, and disagreed they had access to enough information (p<0.05; df = 1). While most parents agreed that they had access to enough immunization information, approximately a third did not. Perceived lack of information was associated with negative attitudes about immunizations and towards healthcare providers. Basic information about the benefits and risks of vaccines presented by a trusted provider could go a long way towards maintaining and/or improving confidence in the immunization process

 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0     INTRODUCTION

Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine immunization (RI) has contributed immensely to a significant reduction in mortality from these vaccine-preventable diseases among children. Globally, it is estimated that about two to three million deaths occur annually as a result of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD), with approximately 1.5 million deaths among children (Yahya, 2017). Immunization is recognized as a safe and effective method of preventing disease (National Advisory Committee on Immunisation, 1998); however, not all parents choose to immunize their children, and not all couples choose to maintain or update their immunisation status.

Immunisation is a critical public health intervention that has significantly reduced the burden of infectious diseases and saved countless lives worldwide. However, despite its proven effectiveness, there is a concerning phenomenon of negative attitudes towards immunisation among couples. This negative attitude can manifest in various ways, including vaccine hesitancy, refusal, or delay in seeking immunisation for themselves or their children. Omobowale (2023) conducted a study to address childhood immunisation hesitance and non-compliance among teenage and young mothers in Ibadan, Nigeria. The research focused on implementing a mobile immunization-friendly service specifically designed for working mothers. Many of the participants lacked knowledge and had been misguided about motherhood and childcare. They expressed a preference for a mobile immunisation service with friendly and understanding "strangers" who would not judge them for their social circumstances. The findings suggest that implementing friendly mobile immunisation services targeted at teenage and young mothers can alleviate stigmatisation and hostility and reduce childhood immunisation hesitance and non-compliance.

The consequences of negative attitudes towards immunisation can be far-reaching. It can lead to lower immunisation coverage rates, leaving individuals and communities vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. This can result in outbreaks and increased morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among children. Negative attitudes can also contribute to the erosion of herd immunity, the collective protection that immunisation provides when a significant portion of the population is vaccinated. Addressing the causes and effects of negative attitudes towards immunisation among couples requires targeted interventions and strategies. Effective communication campaigns that provide accurate and evidence-based information about vaccines, address specific concerns, and dispel myths can help counteract misinformation. Building trust and rapport between healthcare providers and couples through respectful and empathetic interactions can also play a crucial role in addressing negative attitudes. Additionally, community engagement and education programmes can empower couples to make informed decisions about immunisation and understand the importance of protecting themselves and their children.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Even though immunisation is proven to be the most successful and cost-effective public health intervention in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, full immunisation coverage remains abysmally low in Nigeria, with a concomitant high burden of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) among children (Awosan et al., 2018). Nigeria is among the countries with the lowest immunisation coverage in the AFRO region, according to WHO estimates. In 2018, 70% of the population was not vaccinated, representing an approximate 3 million people. Incomplete or inexistent vaccination is due to multiple factors, including the health system, family factors, available information, and communication strategies. The causes of the low coverage of immunisation were identified by Sebeh (2020) as lack of access to prenatal care, home delivery, lack of access to media outlets, the lack of mothers' education, and the low economic status that influences incomplete immunisation in Nigeria. This multilevel aspect of the risk factors was identified in a systematic review that focused on low and middle-income countries, suggesting that social determinants of health have an impact on immunisation coverage (Ibid.).

This research aims to address the problem of negative attitudes towards immunisation among couples by investigating the underlying causes and exploring the effects associated with this attitude. Through a comprehensive examination of the factors contributing to this negative perception, we aim to identify effective strategies for promoting positive attitudes towards immunisation.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the study was to deepen our understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, practices, fears, and beliefs about immunisation among children.  Specifically, the objectives were:

• To identify myths and misconceptions about immunisation among couples.
• To identify knowledge, attitudes, practices, fears, and beliefs (KAPBF) about childhood immunisation.
• To determine motivating and de-motivating factors in parents seeking immunisation among couples.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This study aimed to answer the following research questions to describe and explain:

1. What are the theological constructs of young couples who choose not to immunise their children or future children? What is the relationship between these beliefs and the young couples' decision-making regarding immunisation?
2. What are the beliefs of young couples who engage in alternative health practices and choose not to immunise their children or future children? What is the relationship between these beliefs and the young couples' decision-making regarding immunisation?
3. What are the beliefs of young couples who are concerned about vaccine safety and choose not to immunise their children or future children? What is the relationship between these beliefs and the young couples' decision-making regarding immunisation?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study on the causes and effects of negative attitudes towards immunisation among couples holds significant importance for various stakeholders, including couples themselves, the Ministry of Health, policymakers, and researchers.

1. Couples: The study is significant for couples as it raises awareness about the potential consequences of negative attitudes towards immunisation. By understanding the underlying causes and effects, couples can make informed decisions regarding the immunisation of themselves and their children. The study can help dispel misconceptions, address concerns, and provide accurate information, empowering couples to protect their health and their families.
2. Ministry of Health: The findings of the study are crucial for the Ministry of Health. They provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to negative attitudes towards immunisation among couples. This information can guide the development and implementation of targeted interventions and public health campaigns. By addressing the specific concerns and barriers identified in the study, the Ministry of Health can promote positive attitudes towards immunisation, increase immunisation coverage rates, and ultimately enhance public health outcomes.
3. Policymakers: Policymakers play a key role in shaping immunisation policies and programmes. The study's significance lies in informing policymakers about the causes and effects of negative attitudes towards immunisation among couples. Policymakers can utilise the study's findings to design evidence-based policies that address the identified barriers and promote positive attitudes. This can involve implementing strategies to improve vaccine education, ensuring access to immunisation services, and fostering trust in healthcare providers. By incorporating these insights into policy decisions, policymakers can contribute to the improvement of immunisation rates and overall public health.
4. Researchers: The study holds significance for researchers in the fields of public health and immunisation. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into the specific dynamics of negative attitudes towards immunisation among couples. Researchers can further build upon these findings by conducting in-depth studies, exploring innovative interventions, and evaluating the effectiveness of various strategies. This cumulative research can inform future studies, guide interventions, and contribute to evidence-based practices in addressing negative attitudes towards immunisation among couples.

 

DEFINITIONS

In the context of this study, the following theoretical definitions were used:

• Understanding is the process of interpreting, knowing, and comprehending the meaning that is felt, intended, and expressed by another (Denzin, 1989, p. 120);
• Immunisation is the process of being immunised against a particular disease.
• Healthcare workers include individuals from the disciplines of medicine, public health, physical and social science, and nursing.
• Health scientists are researchers concerned with aspects of health science and health care from multiple disciplines of medicine, public health, physical and social science, education, and nursing.
• Informants are defined as the people interviewed in this study who provided information about personal immunisation experiences. NEGATIVE ATTITUDE TO IMMUNIZATION AMONG COUPLES

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