title: Factors contributing to high immunisation coverage among New Zealand Asians.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While New Zealand (NZ) immunisation coverage has improved steadily over the years, there is inequity between ethnic groups, with rates lower in Maori and Pacific people and highest in Asian people. This qualitative study aimed to identify attitudes and behaviours of NZ Asian parents of children under the age of five years that might contribute to their seeking immunisation for their children.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore attitudes, values, experiences, knowledge, behaviour and perceived barriers regarding childhood immunisation. Transcripts were analysed using a general inductive approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Key themes identified were a general positive attitude towards immunisation, being well-informed and aware of the value of immunisation, accepting governmental encouragement to use immunisation services, and perceiving minimal barriers to immunisation services access.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study suggest that high immunisation coverage rates among NZ Asians may be primarily due to parental attitudes, rather than the quality and accessibility of immunisation services in NZ.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, The University of Auckland, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. m.pal@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Moneeta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pal
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Felicity
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Goodyear-Smith
authors.affiliation: School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Exeter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*