Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

An evaluation of doctors and medical students attitudes and beliefs of pediatric vaccinations in Pakistan

12^th Asia Pacific Global Summit and Expo on Vaccines & Vaccination

November 24-25, 2016 Melbourne, Australia

Nighat Jahan Nadeem

Kingâ??s College London, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

Aims: As doctors and medical students now have decreased exposure to vaccine preventable diseases and as the mediaâ??s portrayal of vaccines may cause misconceptions; this survey aims to explore their attitudes towards pediatric vaccinations. Methods: Vaccination attitudes and beliefs of doctors and medical students from four institutions in Pakistan were assessed by an anonymous, self-administered, internet-based survey from 14 April 2015 to 14 July 2015. Questions related to the importance of vaccination, effects of multiple vaccines, reasons for parental refusal and perceived barriers to vaccination in both developed and developing countries. Data were analyzed qualitatively for themes and sub-themes. Ethical approval was obtained from Kingâ??s College London. Results: 103 doctors and 29 students participated and the majority of doctors (83/102 (81.4%)) and students (25/29 (86.2%)) agree/strongly agree that parental refusal to vaccinate their child is a form of neglect. 63/102 (61.8%) of doctors and 11/29 (37.9%) students disagree/strongly disagree that unvaccinated children should be excluded from school. 89/102 (87.3%) of doctors and 14/29 (48.3%) of students disagree/strongly disagree that multiple vaccines weaken a childâ??s immune system. 51/52 (98%). 90/102 (88.2%) of doctors and 13/29 (44.8%) of students disagree/strongly disagree that natural immunity is better than vaccines. Conclusion: The findings of this study form a platform to develop interventions promoting positive attitudes towards childrenâ??s vaccines. Further research would be invaluable to enhance understanding including the mediaâ??s role in propagating these attitudes as well as the impact of cultural factors. Attitudes of other professionals working with should be assessed to determine a holistic perspective of the attitudes and beliefs.

Biography :

Email: nighat.nadeem@doctors.org.uk