Does qualitative synthesis of anecdotal evidence with that from scientific research help in understanding public health issues: a review of low MMR uptake.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the professional and parental factors underlying low MMR uptake by qualitative synthesis of evidence from technical and non-technical anecdotal literature.


METHODS
An intensive investigation of literature covering research, press, online, E groups and grey literature was carried out using devised search strategies. Key themes were identified from both the research and anecdotal evidence, which were merged to form common themes.


RESULTS
The review of technical literature identified media scare and inadequate information from health professionals as the main reasons for non-uptake of MMR. The non-technical anecdotal evidence showed that professionals' belief in parental right to choose, target payments and fear of autism were the major factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Anecdotal evidence may contribute to evidence-based public health practice, especially in widely debated public health issues.
Nagaraj
Anandhi
A
Herefordshire PCT, Hereford, UK. Anandhi.Nagaraj@wyreforest-pct.nhs.uk
D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / Q000276:immunology*; D011634:Public Health; D011639:Public Opinion; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom
D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine