Name: Mathew Molina
Major: Nursing
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Olton, TX
Mentor: Dr. Anita C. Broxson, School of Nursing
What I Study: The number of parents concerned about early childhood vaccination safety has been increasing, thus leading to delay or refusal of immunizations. The objective of this study was to identify parental concerns of children less than seven years of age regarding early childhood vaccinations. An exploratory study was performed by creating an internet-based parental concerns survey using the website SurveyMonkey.com. Parents of children 0 to 6 years were eligible to complete the survey. The survey asked demographic questions, as well as whether parents delayed or refused vaccinations and questions pertaining to specific concerns. Parents were also given the option of writing any other comments regarding immunizations, in a space provided at the end of the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. With a 91% (N=262) completion rate, 31.6% (n=86) delayed vaccinations and 22.8% (n=62) refused vaccinations their children. Most parents receive information regarding vaccines from their doctor or nurse (94.1%). Most of the parents that delayed and parents that refused to vaccinate their children are concerned about the safety, amount of vaccines recommended and serious side effects of vaccines. Of parents that delayed vaccinations (82.6%) and of parents that refused vaccinations (91.9%), most are concerned about the safety of vaccinations. Most parents that delayed and parents that refused vaccinations believe that the Influenza vaccine and the Varicella vaccine cause the flu and chicken pox. Major themes that were analyzed from the comments section of the survey were of parents concerned about vaccines causing autism and most parents are under researched. A minor theme analyzed consisted of parents who were pro vaccinations. The majority of parents did not delay or refuse vaccinations, but more parents becoming concerned. When parents are delaying or refusing vaccinations for their children, there can be increased risk of infectious disease from a vaccine preventable disease. It is important for health professionals to educate parents who are concerned about the safety of vaccinations and how they work.
Why I do research: Research is very important for new upcoming technological equipment in the health field. I do research to gain a better understanding of nursing and to give me the chance to think like a nurse.