Professional Documents
Culture Documents
An Integrative Review
Ashley Bingham
Abstract
The aim of the integrative review is to explore and review the literature of why parents choose not
to vaccinate their children. Childhood vaccinations are an important way to protect against deadly
communicable diseases. Vaccinations create herd immunity and protect those at higher risk, such
as the elderly and infants. Despite the worldwide use of vaccinations, parents still choose not to
vaccinate their children. Deciding not to vaccinate a child, not only leaves the individual at high
risk of contracting a fatal disease, but also leaves the community and population at risk. The
electronic database, PubMed, was used to locate research articles. 210 articles were found and
five were used in discussion of this integrative review. All five articles contain data as to why
parents choose not to vaccinate. It should be noted that there are limitations to the review due to
the researchers limited experience and knowledge on the subject as well as time limitations based
on a submission deadline. More research should be conducted to continue to best understand why
parents choose not to vaccinate and what can be done to support this vulnerable population of
children.
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 3
An Integrative Review
Vaccinations have been around for hundreds of years and have provided immunity to
entire populations against potentially deadly communicable diseases. The trend of choosing not
to vaccinate has become increasingly popular over the past decades. Researchers seek to find out
why parents hesitate or refuse vaccines to have a better understanding of this cultural shift. This
shift impacts global and community herd immunity as well as increased occurrence of incidences
in disease breakouts. The goal of this integrative review is to compile research related to the
researchers PICO question, how does parent hesitancy or beliefs affect vaccination
administration to children? There are currently hundreds of research articles on this topic, but
there still needs to be more research conducted to provide substantial information to the relevant
fields to encourage more support for permitting vaccinations for children. The researcher is a
supporter of childhood vaccinations. The research was curious as to what causes this hesitancy
that leads to little or no protection for children who do not have a voice in this decision.
This integrative review was started with searching one electronic database, PubMed.
Five articles were chosen in support of the researchers PICO question. These five articles will
remain the focus of this integrative review. The following keywords were used in the database
methods, decision making, beliefs, parents attitudes, and childhood routine vaccinations.
In order to maintain contemporary data, articles were chosen based on published date between
2012-2017. Four of the articles are qualitative and one is quantitative. Inclusion criteria
included: being peer reviewed, having free access to the full article, and being published in
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 4
English. Exclusion criteria was set based by reading the articles abstract, most of which did not
Findings/Results
The findings and results of the articles identify the many reasons why parents choose not
to vaccinate their children. A lot of the same influences are identified among the different
articles. A synopsis of the five articles is organized and available in the Appendix. Each article
has defined children differently, less than 16 years old, (Gross, Hartmann, Zemp & Merten,
2015), less than 4 years old (Harmsen, Mollema, Ruiter, Paulussen, Melker & Kok, 2013), less
than 12 years old (Kaaijk, Kleijne, Knol, Harmsen, Ophorst & Rots, 2014) and less than 24
months old (Delkhosh, Negarandeh, Ghasemi & Rostami, 2014). One article does not define
child by age, but rather by children who visit an Anthroposophical Child Welfare Center
(Harmsen, Ruiter, Paulussen, Mollema, Kok & Melker, 2012). All four qualitative studies data
collection was analyzed using thematic analysis with the use of a coding catalog tool. The
following categories are representations of the themes discussed in the articles: parental
Parental Beliefs/Lifestyle
Three of the qualitative studies all gathered data on parental beliefs and lifestyles that
influenced vaccine hesitancy or refusal. Gross et al. (2015) conducted 32 interviews, where
many parents believed in letting their child acquire immunity through natural bodily defenses. A
major influence of choosing not to vaccinate was in support of the evolution of the human body
and its ability to fight of disease. Along with natural immunity came the support for breast-
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 5
feeding and eating natural foods. Some parents establish that vaccines are an artificial intrusion
to the body that can effect the natural immune system in their childrens period of development.
Harmsen et al. (2012) explores why parents choose to postpone or refuse vaccinations based on
these beliefs. The authors conducted 16 interviews using three focus groups. One parent said
your personal development, diphtheria, tetanus and polio are not part of that development and so
we accepted this vaccine (Harmsen et al., 2012, p.3). These parents felt their lifestyle supported
a healthy immune system, such as using a babysitter for their children instead of sending them to
a childcare center. Some mothers commented on breastfeeding and how this provides their
In the data founded by Harmsen et al. (2013) the main determinant of choosing not to
vaccinate was lifestyle. The researchers used eight online focus groups and had a sample size of
60. Parents attributed eating healthy, avoiding childcare and travelling, and breastfeeding for
sometimes up to two years as practices to build immunity for their children. Many of these
parents believed that since these communicable diseases have been reduced dramatically in
occurrence, there is less need to vaccinate, and that their children are at considerably low risk.
Information Need/Mistrust
The lack of information was looked at from many different aspects, such as how the
information was portrayed and appropriate use of language to the lay person. One aspect was the
lack of specific information about the vaccine, to include chemical components and efficacy. A
second component was mentioned about the parents ability to interpret the information that was
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 6
provided and how their understanding supported their vaccination decisions. Three of the
Harmsen et at. (2012) found that information need was a topic that all participants (n =
16) discussed in their interviews. Parents expressed a need to have more scientific information
such as risks, including fatal cases, and side effects and their occurrences. The need for
transparency from the Public Health Institute (PHI) would likely decrease their mistrust with the
information they were able to find on the internet. They should also be given access to a list of
references to deduce if the information was also reliable. Parents further suggested making more
information available to child vaccine providers (CVP) who will be in direct contact with the
parent and their children. With CVPs having this information, they will be prepared to provide
The need for information was also a theme in the research conducted by Harmsen et al.
(2013). Many parents mentioned in their interviews that they do not receive enough information.
They had only received information about the injection itself, such as pain at the site and
possibility for fever. They did not receive any information pamphlets about the vaccination, side
effects, or negative outcomes. This causes some mistrust with the National Immunization
Program (NIP). Parents who wanted more information had to seek it on their own. This was
overwhelming as they did not know how to determine what sources are reliable and trustworthy.
Providing information will also help parents who have a false misconception about
vaccines, which was noted in the research by Delkhosh et al. (2014). Researchers conducted
interviews with 26 mothers in Tehran, Iran. One mother thought her child would become
paralyzed after receiving the polio vaccine. Healthcare workers can play a tremendous role in
making sure parents are well informed about the benefits and risks of vaccinating their child.
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 7
Educating on the common, yet mild, side effects of vaccines will help to decrease a mothers fear
of the vaccines and may encourage her to not refuse immunizing her child.
In the quantitative study by Kaaijk et al (2014), some parents believe that having 3 or
more vaccines during a single visit caused too much pain and discomfort for their child, the
majority of parents (69%) indicated that 3 vaccine injections per visit is too much (Kaaijk et al.,
2014, p. 2486). This alone encourages the parents to refuse some vaccines. Interestingly
enough, even though these parents were against the number of vaccines in a given time, they
were in favor of extending the vaccine program, if new vaccines to protect against other
communicable disease were available. In this study a 78 question questionnaire was completed
by 1154 parents, which was a 21% response rate of the approached 5600 parents (Kaaijk et al.,
2014).
Gross et al (2015) explores parental beliefs in the decision to choose not to vaccinate
their children. Some parents expressed, their desire for a personalized, patient-centered
approach to vaccination in the terms of age of the child and the timing of vaccination may be
accommodated with more precise information (Gross et al., 2015, p.7). These parents do not
agree with the overabundance of vaccines their children receive within the first year of life.
During an interview conducted by Harmsen et al. (2012) some parents had a negative
view about combination vaccinations and their lack of choice or freedom to avoid overloading
(Harmsen et al., 2012, p. 4) in a single visit. Since there was no choice to separate the vaccines,
The quantitative study, Kaaijk et al (2014), showed that parents are highly concerned
about the pain and discomfort their child experiences during vaccinations. The majority of the
participants had above average household income and were willing to pay the extra cost for
Discussion/Implications
All of the reasons parents choose not to vaccinate have already been recognized by a
previous overview of the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy (Dube, Laberge, Guay, Bramadat,
Roy & Bettinger, 2013). Their conceptual model of Vaccine Hesitancy includes, knowledge
and information, past experiences, perceived important of vaccination, risk perception &
mistrust, subjective norm, and religious & moral convictions (Dube et al., 2014, p. 2). This
developers, especially in countries where communicable disease treatment costs may supersede
Having more children vaccinated will promote overall health for every nation.
Healthcare workers can be the childs advocate in encouraging parents to choose vaccinations.
Nurses and community outreach program employees can take the time to have a more intimate
conversation with parents to teach them about the risks for their children and others, if they
choose not to vaccinate. With respect to their decision, healthcare providers can increase
communication and information using all forms of learning styles: visual, verbal (tactile), and
auditory to best fit the needs of their community. If parents still choose not to vaccinate, they
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 9
diseases.
Limitation/Conclusion
The vast limitation to this integrative review is the researchers lack of knowledge and
expertise in the field, as well as little experience in conducting research for an integrative review.
It should be noted that, although there was no paucity or delimitation to the articles found, there
were limited quantitative studies and research that implemented an intervention to provoke a
decrease the percentage of parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. The researcher
believes the next step would be to implement some of the recommendations and conduct more
change these parents decision on choosing not to vaccinate their children, in relation to the
than the postpartum/newborn period. An opportunity for discussion during the intrapartum
period may be advantageous. Parents can be given all of the necessary information they require
far enough in advance so they can make a well educated decision for their children. Having
open-ended discussion with their healthcare providers about their understanding and
misconceptions of vaccinations can help them gain a better understanding of what they are
References
Delkhosh, M., Negarandeh, R., Ghasemi, E., & Rostami, H. (2014). Maternal concerns about
Dub, E., Laberge, C., Guay, M., Bramadat, P., Roy, R., & Bettinger, J. A. (2013). Vaccine
http://doi.org/10.4161/hv.24657
Gross, K., Hartmann, K., Zemp, E., & Merten, S. (2015). I know it has worked for millions of
years: the role of the natural in parental reasoning against child immunization in a
http://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1716-3
Harmsen, I. A., Ruiter, R. A. C., Paulussen, T. G. W., Mollema, L., Kok, G., & de Melker, H. E.
Harmsen, I. A., Mollema, L., Ruiter, R. A., Paulussen, T. G., de Melker, H. E., & Kok, G.
(2013). Why parents refuse childhood vaccination: a qualitative study using online focus
Kaaijk, P., Kleijne, D. E., Knol, M. J., Harmsen, I. A., Ophorst, O. J., & Rots, N. Y. (2014).
Parents attitude toward multiple vaccinations at a single visit with alternative delivery
http://doi.org/10.4161/hv.29361
Appendix
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Qualitative and Quantitative Article Evaluation
First&Author&
(Year)/Qualifications& Gross%(2015)%%Researcher%of%Swiss%Tropical%and%Public%Health%Institute,%Switzerland%
Background/Problem& % Researchers%wanted%to%investigate%how%parents%in%Switzerland%debate%the%use%of%vaccinations%
Statement& and%share%their%beliefs%and%attitudes%on%why%they%choose%not%to%vaccinate.%&
Conceptual/theoretical& % Not%discussed%
Framework%
Design/Method/Philosophical& % Qualitative%Study%
Underpinnings% % SemiJstructured%interviews%
& % Purposeful%sampling%using%the%snowball%approach%
Sample/&Setting/Ethical& % 32%interviews%were%conducted%with%various%family%dynamics%with%children%under%the%age%of%16%
Considerations% % Interviews%took%place%in%most%of%the%parents%homes%
% % Informed%consent,%confidentiality%and%anonymity,%and%ethical%committee%approval%
Major&Variables&Studied&(and& % Parents%with%children%16%years%old%or%less%who%are%partially%immunized%%
their&definition),&if& % Parents%with%children%16%years%old%or%less%who%have%not%been%immunized%
appropriate%
Measurement&Tool/Data& % 60%minute%interviews%conducted%by%a%trained%interviewer%in%both%German%or%French%
Collection&Method% % Interviews%were%recorded%and%transcribed%verbatim%and%coded%into%groups%dependent%on%the%
two%researchers%
% Demographic%Information%
Data&Analysis% % Coding%catalog%was%used%to%analyze%the%data%
Findings/Discussion& % Findings%were%in%favor%of%allowing%natural%immunity%to%be%obtained%through%natural%bodily%
defenses%and%support%of%breastfeeding%that%alone%can%build%a%childs%immunity%
% Collective%concern%with%too%many%vaccines%administered%at%a%young%age%
% Mistrust%in%the%institutions%delivering%the%vaccines%and%not%so%much%in%the%vaccines%themselves%
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 12
Appraisal/Worth&to&practice& % This%study%is%useful%to%understand%why%parents%choose%not%vaccinate.%%
% Provides%valuable%information%about%how%healthcare%providers%can%implement%changes%to%
support%these%parents%through%open%communication%and%detailed%discussion.%
First&Author& Harmsen%(2012)%%Center%for%Infectious%Disease%Control,%National%Institute%for%Public%Health%and%the%
(Year)/Qualifications& Environment,%The%Netherlands&
Background/Problem& % Researchers%seek%to%explore%the%beliefs%of%parents%who%choose%not%vaccinate&
Statement&
Conceptual/theoretical&& % Not%discussed%
Framework%
Design/Method/Philosophical& % Qualitative%Study%using%3%focus%groups%
Underpinnings% % SemiJstructure%openJended%questions%
& % Focus%groups%of%parents%who%visited%an%Anthroposophical%Child%Welfare%Center%(CWC)%
Sample/&Setting/Ethical& % 16%interviews%%
Considerations% % Interviews%were%held%at%the%anthroposophical%CWC%
% % Each%focus%group%was%conducted%by%the%same%moderator%with%different%assistants%
% Informed%consent%was%obtained%and%each%participant%was%offered%a%gift%voucher%of%30%euros%with%
ethical%committee%approval.%%
Major&Variables&Studied&(and& % Parents%of%children%who%attended%Anthroposophical%CWCX%age%was%not%define%
their&definition),&if&appropriate%
Measurement&Tool/Data& % TwoJhour%interview%
Collection&Method% % Interviews%were%recorded%and%transcribed%verbatim%%
Data&Analysis% % Analysis%was%done%using%a%thematic%approach%to%look%at%the%different%factors%that%influence%
parents%to%choose%not%to%vaccinate%their%children%
% Six%subthemes%were%determined%by%using%Nvivo%9%software%
% Coding%scheme%and%criteria%used%%
Findings/Discussion& % Most%parents%said%they%need%more%information%which%could%potentially%allow%parents%to%make%
well%informed%decisions%about%vaccinations,%especially%with%the%Measles,%Mumps%and%Rubella%
(MMR)%vaccine%
% Common%theme%about%negative%views%of%combination%vaccinations%and%their%freedom%of%choice%
to%decide%which%vaccines%to%get%and%which%they%can%refuse%
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 13
Appraisal/Worth&to&practice& % The%six%themes%could%be%an%opportunity%to%conduct%quantitative%research%which%could%be%helpful%
for%the%healthcare%field%
% Quantitative%researcher%is%needed%to%help%determine%which%influencing%factors%are%most%
important%in%parents%decisions%on%choosing%not%to%vaccinate.%%
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 14
First&Author& Harmsen%(2013)%Center%for%Infectious%Disease%Control,%National%Institute%for%Public%Health%and%the%
(Year)/Qualifications& Environment,%The%Netherlands%
Background/Problem& % The%researchers%aim%to%to%study%the%factors%that%influence%Dutch%parents%in%their%choice%in%
Statement& partially%vaccinating%or%not%vaccinating%their%children.%&
% This%data%could%help%the%healthcare%field%create%interventions%used%to%provide%the%public%with%
the%necessary%information%to%make%the%best%decisions%for%the%children%and%the%community.&
Conceptual/theoretical&& % Not%discussed%
Framework%
Design/Method/Philosophical& % Qualitative%Study%using%online%focus%groups%
Underpinnings% % Random%sampling%of%participants%from%Praeventis,%the%Netherlands%vaccination%database%
& % Participants%were%selected%on%child%vaccination%status%of%partially%vaccinated%(PV)%and%not%vaccinated%
(NV)%%
% Children%were%define%as%being%age%4%or%younger%
Sample/&Setting/Ethical& % 60%participants%accepted%the%invitation%to%the%online%focus%group%
Considerations% % Anonymity%statements%were%given%
% % Informed%consent%was%given%by%click%a%button%online%after%having%to%read%all%of%the%study%
information.%An%incentive%of%30%euros%gift%voucher%was%offered%with%ethical%committee%
approval.%
Major&Variables&Studied&(and& % Parents%with%children%4%years%old%or%less%who%were%partially%vaccinated%(PV)%%
their&definition),&if&appropriate% % Parents%with%children%4%years%old%or%less%who%were%not%vaccinated%(NV)%
Measurement&Tool/Data& % Participants%were%given%a%unique%login%name%and%password%
Collection&Method% % Online%postings%were%available%5%days%during%the%week%to%allow%convenience%to%the%
participants.%Each%day%a%new%topic%was%posted%and%monitoring%of%the%discussions%were%done%
by%a%moderator%
Data&Analysis% % Data%was%analyzed%using%a%thematic%analysis.%
% The%main%themes%were%based%on%the%topics%and%questions%posted%to%the%online%forum%
% A%moderator%coded%the%data%and%analysis%was%done%for%both%PV%and%NV%participants%
Findings/Discussion& % Main%themes%included:%1.%positive%and%negative%aspects%of%the%National%Immunization%Program%(NIP),%
2.%factors%influencing%parental%decision%making,%3.%informational%needs,%and%4.%new%vaccines.%
% Most%refusal%of%vaccinations%were%based%on%parental%decision%making%factors%such%as%lifestyle,%risk%
perception,%social%environment,%ect.%%
% Participants%expressed%a%lack%of%information%to%make%decisions%on%vaccine%efficacy%and%
trustworthiness.%
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 15
Appraisal/Worth&to&practice& % Using%an%online%focus%group%can%be%beneficial%in%reaching%more%participants.%
% These%results%are%helpful%in%supporting%the%NIP%to%create%more%effective%information%
interventions%
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 16
First&Author& Kaaijk%(2014)%%Researcher%for%the%Netherlands%Center%for%Infectious%Disease%Control%and%
(Year)/Qualifications& National%Institute%for%Public%Health%and%the%Environment%(RIVM),%The%Netherlands%
Background/Problem& % Researchers%aim%to%study%parents%perception%on%vaccinations%and%if%alterative%forms%of%
Statement& immunity%would%likely%encourage%full%vaccination%of%their%children.&
Conceptual/theoretical&& % Not%discussed%
Framework%
Design/Method/Philosophical& % Quantitative%Study%%
Underpinnings% % Online%Questionaire%
&
Sample/&Setting/Ethical& % 1154%parents%completed%the%online%questionnaire%
Considerations% % participants%of%both%urban%and%rural%areas%of%the%12%countries%of%the%Netherlands%were%
% randomly%selected%from%Praeventis,%a%national%database%vaccination%registration%system%
% Confidentiality%and%privacy%was%assured,%participants%were%offered%a%10%euro%voucher,%
and%ethical%board%approval%was%not%needed%accorded%to%the%Medical%Research%Involving%
Human%Subjects%Act%of%the%Netherland%(WMO)%
Major&Variables&Studied&(and& % Parents%of%children%age%12%and%under%
their&definition),&if&appropriate%
Measurement&Tool/Data& % Questionaire,78%question%survey,%scored%using%the%7%point%Likert%scale%
Collection&Method% % taking%approximately%15%minutes,%included%4%videos%
% % Demographic%Information%
Data&Analysis% % Descriptive%statistics%%mean%(M)%and%standard%deviation%(SD)%
% Comparison%of%vaccination%delivery%methods%and%amount%of%vaccinations%in%a%single%visit%
% Cross%sectional%analysis%
%
Findings/Discussion& % Findings%were%in%favor%of%alternative%vaccination%forms%such%as%a%patch%and%jetJinjector%
% Parents%would%likely%vaccinate%more%with%these%alternative%methods%because%of%less%pain%
and%discomfort%to%child%
Appraisal/Worth&to&practice& % This%is%valuable%information%for%the%healthcare%to%consider%alternative%vaccination%
methods%for%parents%who%ask%for%it.%%
% It%is%important%for%vaccinate%developers%to%take%this%into%consideration%when%creating%new%
or%improved%methods%to%provide%childhood%immunity.%
%
AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW 17
Delkhosh%(2014)%%Department%of%Disaster%Public%Health,%Department%of%Disaster%and%Emergency%
First&Author&
Health,%National%Institute%of%Health%Research,%Department%of%Community%Nursing,%School%of%
(Year)/Qualifications&
Nursing%&%Midwifery.%Tehran,%Iraq.%
Background/Problem& % Researchers%want%understand%the%concerns%that%mothers%have%with%immunizing%their%child.&
Statement& &
Conceptual/theoretical&&
% Not%discussed%
Framework%
Design/Method/Philosophical& % Qualitative%Exploratory%Study%
Underpinnings% % InJdepth%semiJstructured%interviews%with%key%questions%
& % Non%probability%and%purposive%sampling%method%
Sample/&Setting/Ethical&
% %
Considerations%
Major&Variables&Studied&(and&
% Mothers%of%children%24%months%or%less%who%were%not%vaccinated%
their&definition),&if&appropriate%
Measurement&Tool/Data&
Collection&Method%
% Demographic%Information%
%
%
% Analysis%was%done%using%the%conventional%content%analysis%
% Categories%and%concepts%were%created%based%on%inductive%method%
Data&Analysis%
% All%interview%were%transcribed%and%included%nonJverbal%communication%such%as%facial%
expression%
% Planning%and%monitoring%can%be%instituted%to%provide%adequate%education%to%mothers%and%
proper%education%should%be%given%to%healthcare%workers%to%be%able%to%prepare%and%support%
Findings/Discussion&
the%community%in%making%their%decisions.%
%
% This%study%provided%relevant%data%to%the%healthcare%system%to%allow%for%changes%to%be%made%
in%staff%education%to%correct%any%vaccine%misconceptions%among%mothers%who%are%are%
Appraisal/Worth&to&practice&
uncertain%or%have%negative%feelings%towards%vaccinations%along%with%education%about%the%
vaccines.%