Factors Affecting Fathers’ Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Vaccinations

Abstract

Objective: Vaccines are the most effective tools in preventing childhood infectious diseases. Parents’ knowledge and attitudes about vaccines are fundamental factors influencing vaccination rates. While there are numerous studies about mothers, research examining fathers’ knowledge and attitudes on vaccines is limited. Our study aims to assess fathers’ knowledge and attitudes about vaccines administered in our country, determine their approach to vaccination, and understand their views on vaccine hesitancy. Methods: A cross-sectional and analytical study evaluating fathers’ knowledge and attitudes about vaccines was conducted between May and July 2022 among fathers visiting the pediatric clinic. After obtaining ethical approval, fathers were administered a questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, income, education level, number of children, fathers’ vaccine attitude, knowledge level, and non-routine vaccine considerations to assess their knowledge and attitudes about vaccines. Results: While 33% of participating fathers considered their vaccine knowledge good, 14.1% didn’t know their children’s vaccines, and 23% were unaware of vaccination timing. The majority of fathers used healthcare institutions and physicians for information about vaccines. While 17.3% experienced hesitancy about vaccinating their children, none outright refused. The most common reason for vaccine hesitancy (78.1%) was the fear of vaccine side effects. As parental education levels increased, the positive attitudes of fathers towards childhood vaccinations also increased. Conclusion: Vaccination plays a crucial role in maintaining public health. Providing accurate information to families is important to reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates. Healthcare professionals offering reliable information is an effective factor in fostering positive attitudes toward vaccines and increasing vaccination rates.

Keywords

• vaccine
• father
• vaccine refusal
• vaccine hesitancy