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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Published in:

01-02-2014

‘Just that Little Bit of Doubt’: Scottish Parents', Teenage Girls' and Health Professionals' Views of the MMR, H1N1 and HPV Vaccines

Authors: Catriona Kennedy, Carol Gray Brunton, Rhona Hogg

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Parental decision making about childhood vaccinations is complex and the vaccination schedule ever-changing. Vaccination may be controversial even in countries with historically high vaccination rates such as Scotland. Health behaviour models have aided understanding of individual vaccine intentions for specific vaccines. These are limited in explaining actual behaviours and are divorced from the impact of socio-cultural contexts on vaccination decision making.

Purpose

To explore vaccination views in Scotland amongst parents, teenage girls and health professionals across three controversial vaccines: the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) and the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine.

Method

We used qualitative interviews and focus group discussions in a purposive sample of health professionals (n = 51), parents (n = 15) and teenage girls aged 12–15 years (n = 8) about their views of these vaccines. Discussions were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Two main themes are highlighted: ‘vaccine risks revisited’ in which we explored how the MMR legacy resurfaced and how worries about vaccine safety permeated the data. ‘Vaccine responsibilities’ indicated tensions regarding roles and responsibilities for vaccines. An overarching notion of ‘just that little bit of doubt’ referred to lingering doubts and uncertainties interwoven across the vaccines.

Conclusions

Public health authorities should remain alert towards pervasive vaccine concerns. It is important for authorities to clarify vaccine roles and responsibilities in the face of new and existing vaccines and to acknowledge public concerns regarding vaccine safety.

There are 14 national health boards in Scotland, each with its own responsibility for provision of health services.

In Scotland, a range of health professionals is involved in the delivery of vaccinations including general practitioners and community nurses. Practice nurses are attached to general practitioner surgeries. Health visitors primarily work with babies and toddlers, whereas school nurses work with school-aged children.

Coding identifiers appear as follows: participant number and data collection method.

At the time of the MMR controversy, some parents paid privately to have separate, single doses of the MMR vaccine in the belief that this would minimise potential risks.

Reference to media reporting of a death in Conventry, UK, which was later reported to be unrelated to the HPV vaccine.

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Title: ‘Just that Little Bit of Doubt’: Scottish Parents', Teenage Girls' and Health Professionals' Views of the MMR, H1N1 and HPV Vaccines
Authors: Catriona Kennedy
Carol Gray Brunton
Rhona Hogg
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-013-9356-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

‘Just that Little Bit of Doubt’: Scottish Parents', Teenage Girls' and Health Professionals' Views of the MMR, H1N1 and HPV Vaccines

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

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