Exploring childhood immunization uptake with First Nations mothers in northwestern Ontario, Canada.

Childhood immunization is an important component of preventive health care for young children. Immunization statistics show that on-reserve First Nations children have lower vaccination coverage than children in the general Canadian population. This study explored First Nations parents' beliefs about childhood immunizations and examined factors influencing immunization uptake. This study used a qualitative descriptive design to explore the issue of childhood immunization uptake. Twenty-eight mothers from two First Nations communities in north-western Ontario, Canada, were interviewed about their perceptions of childhood immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases. The interviews were transcribed and content analysis was used to examine the data. The research outcomes highlight the varied beliefs of First Nations parents about childhood immunizations and the numerous factors that both positively and negatively influence immunization uptake. Further research is needed to explore the issue of childhood immunizations in First Nations communities and to determine strategies to improve uptake. (Abstract: Ovid CINAHL)