Hong Kong Chinese parental attitudes towards vaccination and associated socio-demographic disparities. Issue 12 (14th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Linda Dong-Ling; Lam, Wendy Wing Tak; Fielding, Richard
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 34:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 1426
• Page End: 1429
• Publication Date: 2016-03-14
• Subjects: Vaccination -- Vaccine coverage -- Chinese parents -- Attitude; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: Three fifths parents felt unnecessary to give children optional vaccines. 22% parents would reject all childhood vaccines unless mandated by government. Parents with lower income and religious affiliations were more hesitant to vaccination. Abstract: Background: Most previous studies on parental attitudes towards vaccination focused on a disease-specific vaccine. In this study we describe general attitudes towards vaccination in Chinese parents and associated socio-demographic disparities. Methods: Data were collected from a random sample of 1996 Hong Kong Chinese parents by telephone interviews (response rate 60%). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: Most parents believed vaccination to be effective (91.6%) and beneficial (78.7%), though many considered optional vaccines unimportant (39.5%) and unnecessary (62.1%). Demographic characteristics associated with parental negative attitudes to vaccination included being female, born in Hong Kong, married, having fewer children, and children ever experienced vaccination side effects. Lower personal income and religious affiliation were associated with more hesitant attitudes towards optional vaccines. Conclusion: Segments of the population hold significantly negative attitudes towards vaccination and optional vaccines, suggesting a need for targeted efforts on vaccination communication in these groups.