Are chiropractors interested in participating in immunization awareness and promotion activities?
BACKGROUND
Chiropractors have expressed both pro- and anti-vaccination opinions.


OBJECTIVE
We explored the interest of Alberta chiropractors in participating in immunization awareness and promoting activities.


METHODS
Data were collected in a cross-sectional postal survey (response rate: 78.2%, 503 respondents) in 2002. Participants indicated their interests in a close-ended checklist of seven immunization awareness/promoting activities on 5-point scales. Analyses included frequencies and cross tabulations with demographic characteristics of respondents.


RESULTS
More than 60% expressed at least some interest in participating in one or more activities. The three most popular activities were: call Public Health/doctor/nurses for information to answer questions on immunization (40%); refer parents to Public Health/doctors for information on immunization (39%); and display/give out pamphlets provided by Public Health on vaccines/immunization in office (29%).


CONCLUSIONS
Public health practitioners might consider providing chiropractors with contact information for questions on immunization as well as pamphlets on vaccines and immunization for office display.
Russell
Margaret L
ML
Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. mlrussel@ucalgary.ca
Verhoef
Marja J
MJ
Injeyan
H Stephen
HS
D000416:Alberta; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002684:Chiropractic; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic