Perceptions of childhood immunization in a minority community: qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess reasons for low uptake of immunization amongst orthodox Jewish families.


METHODS
Qualitative interviews with 25 orthodox Jewish mothers and 10 local health care workers.


METHODS
The orthodox Jewish community in North East London.


METHODS
Identification of views on immunization in the orthodox Jewish community.


RESULTS
In a community assumed to be relatively insulated from direct media influence, word of mouth is nevertheless a potent source of rumours about vaccination dangers. The origins of these may lie in media scares that contribute to anxieties about MMR. At the same time, close community cohesion leads to a sense of relative safety in relation to tuberculosis, with consequent low rates of BCG uptake. Thus low uptake of different immunizations arises from enhanced feelings of both safety and danger. Low uptake was not found to be due to the practical difficulties associated with large families, or to perceived insensitive cultural practices of health care providers.


CONCLUSIONS
The views and practices of members of this community are not homogeneous and may change over time. It is important that assumptions concerning the role of religious beliefs do not act as an obstacle for providing clear messages concerning immunization, and community norms may be challenged by explicitly using its social networks to communicate more positive messages about immunization. The study provides a useful example of how social networks may reinforce or challenge misinformation about health and risk and the complex nature of decision making about children's health.
Henderson
Lesley
L
School of Social Sciences, Brunel University, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK. lesley.henderson@brunel.ac.uk
Millett
Christopher
C
Thorogood
Nicki
N
D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007585:Jews; D008402:Mass Media; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D010465:Perception; D012449:Safety; D012944:Social Support
D001500:BCG Vaccine; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine