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Home / American Journal of Health Behavior, Volume 29, Number 1

Immunization Attitudes and Beliefs Among Parents: Beyond a Dichotomous Perspective

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Objective: To better understand differences among parents in their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding childhood immunizations and health-related issues. Methods: Forty-four survey variables assessing attitudes and beliefs about immunizations and health were analyzed. The K-means clusters technique was used to identify homogeneous groups of parents based upon their responses to the questions. Results: Five clusters were identified: Immunization Advocates (33.0%), Go Along to Get Alongs (26.4%), Health Advocates (24.8%), Fencesitters (13.2%), and Worrieds (2.6%). Conclusions: Although only a small percentage of parents are seriously concerned, other parents who are generally supportive of immunizations for their child are also affected by immunization safety issues.

Keywords: attitudes and beliefs; audience segmentation; childhood immunizations; parents

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1: Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 2: Data Management Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 3: Office of Communication, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 4: Immunization Services Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 5: Health Communications, Office of Communications, National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Publication date: 01 January 2005

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  • The American Journal of Health Behavior seeks to improve the quality of life through multidisciplinary health efforts in fostering a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of both individuals and social systems as they relate to health behaviors.

    The Journal aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of personal attributes, personality characteristics, behavior patterns, social structure, and processes on health maintenance, health restoration, and health improvement; to disseminate knowledge of holistic, multidisciplinary approaches to designing and implementing effective health programs; and to showcase health behavior analysis skills that have been proven to affect health improvement and recovery.

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