Effects of a web based decision aid on parental attitudes to MMR vaccination: a before and after study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether an evidence based decision aid on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine changed parents' attitudes towards vaccination.


METHODS
Before and after study.


METHODS
Website promoted through search engines and online parenting and health websites.


METHODS
158 people completing online questions out of 1277 who accessed the website.


METHODS
Evidence based decision aid with text and graphical representation of the possible outcomes of measles, mumps, and rubella diseases compared with MMR vaccination.


METHODS
Attitudes towards MMR vaccination.


RESULTS
Significantly more participants indicated they were "leaning towards" vaccination after using the decision aid (39% before v 55% after, P < 0.001). Compared with those who were undecided or "leaning away from" vaccination after using the decision aid, participants "leaning towards" it were more likely to strongly value its potential to protect their children from the serious side effects of disease (98% v 84%) and other children who could not be vaccinated for medical reasons (68% v 25%). Participants with an unfavourable attitude to vaccination were more likely to be very concerned about the rare side effects of vaccination (78% v 57%), have residual concerns about autism and bowel disease (78% v 27%), and anticipate guilt should their child have an adverse reaction (77% v 50%). Those with a positive attitude to vaccination after using the decision aid were also more likely to feel well informed (83% v 48%).


CONCLUSIONS
A web based decision aid significantly improved parental attitudes to MMR vaccination. Residual concerns about autism and bowel disease and the rare chance of serious complications remained as attitudinal barriers to some parents.
Wallace
Cate
C
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
Leask
Julie
J
Trevena
Lyndal J
LJ
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*
D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine