title: A Q-methodology study of parental understandings of infant immunisation: Implications for health-care advice.
abstract: This study used Q-methodology to explore systematically parental judgements about infant immunisation. A total of 45 parents completed a 31-statement Q-sort. Data were collected after vaccination in general practitioner practices or a private day nursery. Q factor analysis revealed four distinct viewpoints: a duty to immunise based on medical benefits, child-orientated protection based on parental belief, concern and distress and surprise at non-compliance. Additionally, there was a common view among parents that they did not regret immunising their children. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of health-care policy and future research.
authors: Durham University, UK hannah.harvey@durham.ac.uk.
authors: Hannah
authors: H
authors: Harvey
authors: Durham University, UK.
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Good
authors: Durham University, UK.
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Mason
authors: Durham University, UK.
authors: Nadja
authors: N
authors: Reissland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000523:psychology*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011779:Q-Sort
keywords: Q-methodology; health psychology; immunisation; infancy; parental beliefs