title: Factors influencing parental decision making when parents choose to deviate from the standard pediatric immunization schedule.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to present the results of a study focusing on the basis for parental decisions to refrain from the standard pediatric immunization schedule.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was based upon open-ended qualitative items that were subjected to content analysis to identify the prominent themes cited by parents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the study demonstrate the presence of a variety of continuing misperceptions regarding the risks represented by common pediatric immunizations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study demonstrates the need for intensive efforts designed to apprise families of the risks and benefits associated with pediatric immunization.
authors: Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia, USA.
authors: Maria D
authors: MD
authors: Whyte
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Whyte Iv
authors: Eileen
authors: E
authors: Cormier
authors: David W
authors: DW
authors: Eccles
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology