Reasons for non-adherence to vaccination at mother and child care clinics (MCCs) in Lambaréné, Gabon.
The aim of this paper is to explore attitudes of mothers towards childhood vaccinations and reasons for non-attendance and non-adherence to mother-child clinics (MCCs). Forty in-depth interviews with mothers of children under 5 years of age revealed positive attitudes towards vaccination that seem at odds with the region's observed low vaccination coverage. Important reasons for MCC non-attendance included distance to the MCC, transport costs, negative experiences at MCCs (such as interactions with unfriendly staff) and mothers' feeling of shame provoked by different, often poverty-associated reasons such as attending the clinic with a dirty or poorly clothed child.
Schwarz
Norbert G
NG
Medical Research Unit, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon.
Gysels
Marjolein
M
Pell
Christopher
C
Gabor
Julian
J
Schlie
Meike
M
Issifou
Saadou
S
Lell
Bertrand
B
Kremsner
Peter G
PG
Grobusch
Martin P
MP
Pool
Robert
R
D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005681:Gabon; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*