Navigating parental attitudes on childhood vaccination in Jordan: a cross-sectional study.

Abu-Farha, Rana K.; Khabour, Omar F; Gharaibeh, Lobna; Elrahal, Yusra M.; Alzoubi, Karem H.; Nassar, Razan; Harahsheh, Meaad M; Binsaleh, Ammena Y.; Shilbayeh, Sireen A.

This study investigated parental attitudes toward childhood vaccination in Jordan, focusing on acceptance, concerns, and perceptions. A cross-sectional survey conducted from January to February 2024 included 939 parents. Findings indicated that 85.4% (n = 802) of respondents received the COVID-19 vaccine, while only 25% (n = 229) vaccinated their children. Concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy were prevalent, with 63.9% (n = 600) expressing worries about side effects and 46.9% (n = 440) trusting immunization programs. Post-pandemic, 34% (n = 319) reported a more negative attitude. Logistic regression showed parents not vaccinating their children against COVID-19 were significantly less likely to exhibit positive attitudes toward childhood vaccination (OR = 0.412, p < 0.001). Older participants were more inclined toward negativity post-pandemic (OR = 1.031, p = 0.007). In conclusion, parental attitudes shifted post-COVID-19, reflecting hesitancy and decreased trust. Addressing concerns and restoring confidence are crucial, especially for children's health. Education through healthcare providers and dispelling social media misinformation are essential. Implementing strategies to enhance post-pandemic vaccine acceptance is imperative for preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

JORDAN; EDUCATION of parents; IMMUNIZATION; CROSS-sectional method; MEDICAL protocols; HEALTH literacy; HEALTH services accessibility; PATIENT safety; HEALTH attitudes; VACCINATION; VACCINE effectiveness; LOGISTIC regression analysis; VACCINE refusal; COVID-19 vaccines; PARENT attitudes; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; CONFIDENCE; MISINFORMATION; ATTITUDE (Psychology); ODDS ratio; INFORMATION needs; VACCINE hesitancy; TRUST; PSYCHOLOGY of parents; COMPARATIVE studies; HEALTH education; COVID-19; COVID-19 pandemic; CHILDREN

International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 2025, Vol 35, Issue 1, p68

0960-3123

Academic Journal

10.1080/09603123.2024.2342018