Exploring childhood immunization among undocumented migrants in Sweden - following qualitative study and the World Health Organizations Guide to Tailoring Immunization Programmes (TIP)
Godoy-Ramirez, Karina ; Byström, Emma LU
; Lindstrand, Ann
; Butler, Robb
; Ascher, Henry
and Kulane, Asli Ali
(2019)
In Public Health
171.
p.97-105
- Abstract
- Objectives
National vaccination coverage in Sweden is high. Recurrent outbreaks of measles and rubella however highlight some immunity gaps in the population. Current knowledge about immunization status of undocumented migrant children is scant. The World Health Organization/Europe has developed the Guide to Tailoring Immunization Programmes (TIP) to assist countries in diagnosing barriers and motivators to vaccination in communities with low vaccination coverage. Based on the TIP guide, the objective of this study was to explore determinants to vaccination among undocumented immigrants, using qualitative approach.
Study design
The study consisted of three steps: (i) an initial workshop for problem statement; (ii)... (More) - Objectives
National vaccination coverage in Sweden is high. Recurrent outbreaks of measles and rubella however highlight some immunity gaps in the population. Current knowledge about immunization status of undocumented migrant children is scant. The World Health Organization/Europe has developed the Guide to Tailoring Immunization Programmes (TIP) to assist countries in diagnosing barriers and motivators to vaccination in communities with low vaccination coverage. Based on the TIP guide, the objective of this study was to explore determinants to vaccination among undocumented immigrants, using qualitative approach.
Study design
The study consisted of three steps: (i) an initial workshop for problem statement; (ii) qualitative research for increased understanding of the vaccination practices of children in the undocumented community; and (iii) a second workshop to incorporate the qualitative interview findings together with data from key stakeholders into a conceptual framework.
Methods
This was a qualitative study featuring interviews of seven undocumented parents recruited at non-governmental clinics, three nurses at Child Health Centers, and information from key stakeholders retrieved at workshops as part of the TIP process.
Results
The content analysis revealed two main themes: parental fear of being questioned and parental acceptance of child immunization. Undocumented parents had a positive view and attitude toward childhood immunization but expressed strong fear of being asked for identification papers at healthcare facilities. Owing to lack of knowledge on entitlements of the undocumented among health personnel, parents were incorrectly rejected when seeking care for their children. Frequent mobility among undocumented may limit access to complete the immunization schedule. Undocumented parents mistrust healthcare providers and avoid health facilities, further delaying childrens’ access to health care, including immunization services.
Conclusions
The findings of this study confirm the complexity of barriers that undocumented parents face regarding childhood immunization. The TIP guide offers a valuable process for a deeper understanding of the determinants of immunization challenges among undocumented migrants. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/787e6e0a-0b75-44da-a62d-28d0d47b4f77
- author
- Godoy-Ramirez, Karina
; Byström, Emma
LU
; Lindstrand, Ann
; Butler, Robb
; Ascher, Henry
and Kulane, Asli Ali
- publishing date
- 2019
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- in
- Public Health
- volume
- 171
- pages
- 97 - 105
- publisher
- Elsevier
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:85065799883
- ISSN
- 0033-3506
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.puhe.2019.04.008
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- no
- id
- 787e6e0a-0b75-44da-a62d-28d0d47b4f77
- date added to LUP
- 2024-04-29 11:11:47
- date last changed
- 2024-04-30 07:24:25
@article{787e6e0a-0b75-44da-a62d-28d0d47b4f77,
abstract = {{Objectives<br/>National vaccination coverage in Sweden is high. Recurrent outbreaks of measles and rubella however highlight some immunity gaps in the population. Current knowledge about immunization status of undocumented migrant children is scant. The World Health Organization/Europe has developed the Guide to Tailoring Immunization Programmes (TIP) to assist countries in diagnosing barriers and motivators to vaccination in communities with low vaccination coverage. Based on the TIP guide, the objective of this study was to explore determinants to vaccination among undocumented immigrants, using qualitative approach.<br/><br/>Study design<br/>The study consisted of three steps: (i) an initial workshop for problem statement; (ii) qualitative research for increased understanding of the vaccination practices of children in the undocumented community; and (iii) a second workshop to incorporate the qualitative interview findings together with data from key stakeholders into a conceptual framework.<br/><br/>Methods<br/>This was a qualitative study featuring interviews of seven undocumented parents recruited at non-governmental clinics, three nurses at Child Health Centers, and information from key stakeholders retrieved at workshops as part of the TIP process.<br/><br/>Results<br/>The content analysis revealed two main themes: parental fear of being questioned and parental acceptance of child immunization. Undocumented parents had a positive view and attitude toward childhood immunization but expressed strong fear of being asked for identification papers at healthcare facilities. Owing to lack of knowledge on entitlements of the undocumented among health personnel, parents were incorrectly rejected when seeking care for their children. Frequent mobility among undocumented may limit access to complete the immunization schedule. Undocumented parents mistrust healthcare providers and avoid health facilities, further delaying childrens’ access to health care, including immunization services.<br/><br/>Conclusions<br/>The findings of this study confirm the complexity of barriers that undocumented parents face regarding childhood immunization. The TIP guide offers a valuable process for a deeper understanding of the determinants of immunization challenges among undocumented migrants.}},
author = {{Godoy-Ramirez, Karina and Byström, Emma and Lindstrand, Ann and Butler, Robb and Ascher, Henry and Kulane, Asli Ali}},
issn = {{0033-3506}},
language = {{eng}},
pages = {{97--105}},
publisher = {{Elsevier}},
series = {{Public Health}},
title = {{Exploring childhood immunization among undocumented migrants in Sweden - following qualitative study and the World Health Organizations Guide to Tailoring Immunization Programmes (TIP)}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2019.04.008}},
doi = {{10.1016/j.puhe.2019.04.008}},
volume = {{171}},
year = {{2019}},
}