Maternal concerns about immunization over 0-24 month children: a qualitative research

Issues Compr Pediatr Nurs. 2014 Dec;37(4):235-49. doi: 10.3109/01460862.2014.951131. Epub 2014 Sep 4.

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the concerns of mothers referred to health center in south Tehran, Iran about immunizing children aged 0-24 months. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The mothers' concerns over immunizing their children fell into 5 main categories: (1) "Factors that cause mothers' concerns," (2) "Factors that influence mothers' concerns," (3) "Information, education, and communication barriers," (4) "Informational/educational needs and sources," and (5) "The necessity of childhood vaccinations." According to study findings, mothers consider immunizing children important and they have enough trust in the health system. A deep understanding of maternal concerns about immunizing their children at 0-24 months allows nurses to reduce mothers' concerns by removing communication barriers and providing appropriate and adequate information.

Keywords: Content analysis; Iran; immunization; maternal concerns.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Immunization / psychology*
  • Immunization / statistics & numerical data
  • Iran
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Qualitative Research