title: Hong Kong Chinese parental attitudes towards vaccination and associated socio-demographic disparities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Most previous studies on parental attitudes towards vaccination focused on a disease-specific vaccine. In this study we describe general attitudes towards vaccination in Chinese parents and associated socio-demographic disparities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from a random sample of 1996 Hong Kong Chinese parents by telephone interviews (response rate 60%). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most parents believed vaccination to be effective (91.6%) and beneficial (78.7%), though many considered optional vaccines unimportant (39.5%) and unnecessary (62.1%). Demographic characteristics associated with parental negative attitudes to vaccination included being female, born in Hong Kong, married, having fewer children, and children ever experienced vaccination side effects. Lower personal income and religious affiliation were associated with more hesitant attitudes towards optional vaccines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Segments of the population hold significantly negative attitudes towards vaccination and optional vaccines, suggesting a need for targeted efforts on vaccination communication in these groups.
authors: Division of Behavioural Health, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Electronic address: ldlw@hku.hk.
authors: Linda Dong-Ling
authors: LD
authors: Wang
authors: Division of Behavioural Health, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors: Wendy Wing Tak
authors: WW
authors: Lam
authors: Division of Behavioural Health, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Fielding
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Attitude; Chinese parents; Vaccination; Vaccine coverage