A Q-methodology study of parental understandings of infant immunisation: Implications for health-care advice. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harvey, Hannah; Good, James; Mason, James; Reissland, Nadja
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 20:Number 11(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1451
• Page End: 1462
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: health psychology -- immunisation -- infancy -- parental beliefs -- Q-methodology; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105313513622
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

This study used Q-methodology to explore systematically parental judgements about infant immunisation. A total of 45 parents completed a 31-statement Q-sort. Data were collected after vaccination in general practitioner practices or a private day nursery. Q factor analysis revealed four distinct viewpoints: a duty to immunise based on medical benefits, child-orientated protection based on parental belief, concern and distress and surprise at non-compliance. Additionally, there was a common view among parents that they did not regret immunising their children. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of health-care policy and future research.