title: More support for mothers: a qualitative study on factors affecting immunisation behaviour in Kampala, Uganda.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The proportion of Ugandan children who are fully vaccinated has varied over the years. Understanding vaccination behaviour is important for the success of the immunisation programme. This study examined influences on immunisation behaviour using the attitude-social influence-self efficacy model.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted nine focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers and fathers. Eight key informant interviews (KIIs) were held with those in charge of community mobilisation for immunisation, fathers and mothers. Data was analysed using content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Influences on the mother's immunisation behaviour ranged from the non-supportive role of male partners sometimes resulting into intimate partner violence, lack of presentable clothing which made mothers vulnerable to bullying, inconvenient schedules and time constraints, to suspicion against immunisation such as vaccines cause physical disability and/or death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Immunisation programmes should position themselves to address social contexts. A community programme that empowers women economically and helps men recognise the role of women in decision making for child health is needed. Increasing male involvement and knowledge of immunisation concepts among caretakers could improve immunisation.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala Uganda. jnbabirye@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Juliet N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Babirye
authors.forename: Elizeus
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rutebemberwa
authors.forename: Juliet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kiguli
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wamani
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nuwaha
authors.forename: Ingunn Ms
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Engebretsen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005220:Fathers; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult