Factors Influencing Parents’ Decisions to have Their Children Receive all Recommended Vaccinations in Area of Thepha District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to investigate the proportion and factors influencing parents’ decisions to ensure their children receive vaccinations according to the recommended schedule in Thepha District, Songkhla Province. A total of 179 participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing personal factors, perceived benefits, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and perceived barriers to childhood vaccination. Content validity indices ranged from 0.67 to 1.00, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the respective domains were 0.87, 0.91, 0.78, and 0.79 Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.

         The findings revealed that the proportion of complete childhood vaccination according to schedule was 81.56%  Male parents were 8.34 times more likely to decide to complete their child’s vaccination (adjusted OR = 8.34, 95% CI: 1.03–67.46). Parents with high perceived susceptibility were 4.13 times more likely to complete vaccination (adjusted OR = 4.13, 95% CI: 1.60–10.66). Additionally, parents with low perceived barriers were 3.39 times more likely to ensure complete vaccination (adjusted OR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.25–9.18). These factors were statistically significant at the 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001 levels, respectively.

         In conclusion, male parental involvement, higher perceived susceptibility, and lower perceived barriers significantly influenced the decision to complete childhood vaccination. Healthcare personnel should develop educational strategies that actively engage fathers in vaccination decisions, provide personalized education on susceptibility, and address perceived barriers to improve vaccination coverage.