Parental Trust and the Role of Misinformation in Childhood Immunization Decisions
- Anesa Terzić
(Primary Health Center Gračanica, Gračanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Elma Mujaković
(University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Medical faculty, Department of anatomy, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Emir Bećirović
(University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Internal medicine , Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Minela Bećirović (University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Almira Ćosićkić
(University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Abstract
Aim: Vaccine hesitancy challenges global public health, with parental attitudes significantly impacting childhood immunization. This study examined parental perceptions of vaccine safety, effectiveness, and decision-making factors in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2025 with 233 parents at a Primary Healthcare Center in Gračanica. A structured questionnaire based on the Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) assessed sociodemographic data, vaccination experiences, information sources, and attitudes toward vaccines using a Likert scale.
Results: Among 233 participants, 195 (83.7%) fully vaccinated their children, 30 (12.9%) practiced selective vaccination, and eight (3.4%) refused all vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy was significantly associated with lower education, (26.3% vs. 5.1%; p<0.001), rural residence (76.3% vs. 48.2%; p=0.002), and having three or more children (34.2% vs. 12.3%; p=0.01). Trust in healthcare professionals strongly influenced behavior, with 178 (91.3%) of parents who fully trusted doctors adhering to the immunization schedule. Concerns about autism were reported by 14 (36.8%) of hesitant parents and were significantly associated with delayed or refused vaccination (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Although overall confidence was high, vaccine hesitancy persisted due to perceived risks. Strengthening healthcare communication and addressing misinformation, particularly autism concerns, may help improve vaccine uptake.
Keywords: : health knowledge, immunization program, public health, vaccination coverage
Keywords: public health, vaccination coverage, health knowledge, immunization program
How to Cite:
Terzić, A., Mujaković, E., Bećirović, E., Bećirović, M. & Ćosićkić, A., (2026) “Parental Trust and the Role of Misinformation in Childhood Immunization Decisions”, Medicinski glasnik 23(1), 101-105. doi: https://doi.org/10.17392/2004-23-01
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