Parental Attitudes and Beliefs Associated with Internet Use as a Source of Vaccine Information Público

Jones, Abbey (2011)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/2j62s525x?locale=pt-BR
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Abstract

Background: School immunization requirements have led to high immunization coverage
rates among school-aged children and contributed to the success of vaccination as a
public health intervention in the United States. However, vaccine refusal rates have
increased in recent years, leading to the potential for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable
diseases. Additionally, the internet has rapidly become a widely used source of
information, including information on vaccines, but research has not been conducted to
examine the factors associated with the use of the internet for vaccine information among
parents. The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes and beliefs associated
with the use of the internet as a source of vaccine information among parents of school-
aged children.


Methods: Surveys were mailed to 1630 parent of fully vaccinated children and 815
parents of children with exemptions to one or more vaccine, and were returned by 56.1%
of parents. Surveys asked respondents to identify information sources used for vaccine
information. Respondents were asked about their perceptions of the accuracy of vaccine
information sources and their beliefs on key issues related to vaccination.


Results: Internet use as a source of vaccine information was significantly higher among
parents who did not view their child's healthcare provider as a reliable source of
information on vaccines. Younger parents and parents with higher education levels were
significantly more likely to use the internet for vaccine information, as were parents who
were opposed to school immunization requirements. Parents who used the internet as a
source of vaccine information were also significantly more likely to have lower
perceptions of vaccine safety (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.18-2.35) and vaccine effectiveness
(OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.32-2.53) and lower perceptions of disease susceptibility (OR, 2.08;
95% CI, 1.49-2.90).

Discussion:
Parents who used the internet were more likely to view vaccines as harmful
or unsafe, and they were less likely to view vaccines as effective. Internet users were also
less likely to believe that their child would benefit from vaccination. These findings
indicate the need to reach internet users with accurate information regarding vaccines and
vaccine-preventable diseases.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

BACKGROUND.. 1

INTRODUCTION.. 5

METHODS. 7

RESULTS. 12

DISCUSSION.. 17

REFERENCES. 21

TABLES. 23

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