Open AccessA qualitative analysis of parental decision making for childhood immunisation
Author(s) -
Marshall Sandra,
Swenssen Hal
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-842x.1999.tb01316.x
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , immunization , qualitative research , qualitative analysis , identification (biology) , psychology , decision making , medicine , developmental psychology , immunology , sociology , engineering , operations management , social science , botany , antigen , biology , purchasing
Objective: Achieving high rates of childhood immunisation is an important public health aim. Currently, however, immunisation uptake in Australia is disappointing. This qualitative study investigated the factors that influence parental decision making for childhood immunisation, and whether parents' experiences were better conceptualised in terms of static subjective expected utility models or in terms of a more dynamic process. Method: Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 predominantly middle‐class mothers‐17 immunisers and three non‐immunisers, in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1997. The data were then examined using thematic analysis. Results: The results suggested that for these participants the decision regarding childhood immunisation was better conceptualised as a dynamic process. The decision required initial consideration, implementation then maintenance. Conclusion: If a better understanding of immunisation decision making is to be achieved, future studies must look beyond static frameworks. Implication: Clearer insight into the dynamic nature of immunisation decision making should assist in the identification of more effective methods of promoting childhood immunisation to groups at risk of non‐compliance.