Vaccine Hesitancy among Caregivers of Children Attending Immunization Clinic at Gwalior in Central India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26463/rjns.13_2_12Keywords:
Child, Delay, Hesitancy, Routine immunization, VaccinationAbstract
Background: Even though majority of parents vaccinate their children, vaccine hesitancy (VH) has grown in popularity. It is unclear how this vaccination reluctance culture came to be and how it affects parents' decisions regarding immunization schedule.
Objectives: The present study was conducted to identify the socio-economic and demographic subgroups and to explore the reasons of vaccine hesitancy among caregivers of children attending immunization clinic.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at the immunization clinic of a tertiary care center at GR Medical College, Gwalior, MP, India. In the present study, 450 caregivers were included and the socioeconomic status, vaccine hesitancy (VH) and reasons for VH were assessed. Statistical tests like Chi square test and Logistic regression were applied. Frequency, percentage, odds ratio (OR) with their respective 95% confidence interval were calculated and p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: In total, vaccine hesitancy was observed among the 103 (22.9%) caregivers. Occupation of father [business (26.09%), others like farmer/daily wage worker (35.90%)], socio-economic status of the family [middle class (33.02%), lower middle class (35.59%)], SC-ST caste category (31.25%), illiterate mother (46.67%), illiterate father (40.0%) were found to be significantly related to VH. Illiterate mothers were about four times at higher risk [OR: 4.247; 95% CI: 1.459-12.365] as compared to highly educated (graduate and above) mothers. Caregivers visiting for fourth vaccination (38.04%) of their children were found to have high VH. Sickness of the child (40.8%) was reported to be the most common reason for VH followed by, No caregiver available to accompany the child (16.5%), Lack of awareness of vaccination schedule (16.5%), Forgot date (15.5%) and reluctance (10.7%).
Conclusion: The vaccine hesitancy was prevalent among the caregivers. To ensure full immunization for the children, it is vital to raise awareness among newlywed couples and pregnant women.
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