The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Controversy on Parents' Perceptions of Routine Vaccinations.

Autor: Alzahrani A; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Al-Shehri WA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Alghamdi FA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Almalki AT; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Alzaidi KH; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Alsulaimani HF; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Tamur S; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Khayat AM; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Aljaid MS; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU., Al-Malki S; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Jul 01; Vol. 16 (7), pp. e63606. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 01 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63606
Abstrakt: Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced public perceptions and behaviors related to vaccination. Understanding parental attitudes, knowledge gaps, and vaccination practices post-pandemic is crucial for informing effective public health strategies. This study aimed to investigate parental attitudes, knowledge, and practices toward routine childhood vaccination in the post-COVID-19 era, emphasizing shifts in perspectives and implications for vaccination strategies. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 498 parents to assess their attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding vaccination. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests where applicable, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results The study revealed diverse parental attitudes toward vaccination post-COVID-19. While a majority (72.9%) maintained positive attitudes toward vaccination schedules and benefits, concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy were noted. Knowledge gaps persisted, with 16.5% strongly agreeing that children's vaccinations are weak and have no impact on disease prevention. Despite high adherence to vaccination schedules (68.9%), motivations behind vaccine administration were questioned, as 48.2% strongly disagreed that vaccination was solely for regulatory purposes. Conclusions Post-COVID-19, parental attitudes toward vaccination have evolved, reflecting increased concerns about safety and efficacy. Addressing knowledge gaps, combating misinformation, and enhancing trust in vaccination programs are imperative. Tailored communication strategies, education campaigns, and policy interventions are essential to promote vaccination acceptance and safeguard public health resilience in the post-pandemic era.
Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Scientific Research Ethics Committee, Taif University, KSA issued approval 44-366. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, and ethical approval was obtained (No. 44-366, Date: 13-06-2023, Scientific Research Ethics Committee, Taif University, KSA). Informed consent was obtained from each participant before data collection, emphasizing confidentiality and the voluntary nature of participation. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
(Copyright © 2024, Alzahrani et al.)
Databáze: MEDLINE