CHILDHOOD VACCINATION: BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CAREGIVERS

Abstract

Delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite the availability of vaccination services are defining factors in vaccine hesitancy. In this context, the study aims to evaluate the behavioral and social factors associated with adherence to childhood vaccines from the perspective of caregivers. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional epidemiological study, with a qualitative-quantitative approach, targeting the legal guardians of students enrolled in elementary school (from 1st to 9th grade) in the city of Paraíso do Tocantins. A data survey was carried out through the application of a questionnaire to the parents/guardians, regarding the behavioral and social factors associated with adherence to vaccines. The data obtained were entered into Excel®, where a descriptive analysis was carried out through measures of central tendency, counts and percentages. It was noted that vaccine non-adherence is influenced by factors such as misinformation, cultural resistance, communication failures and access to vaccines. It is clear that adherence to vaccination faces several challenges. Thus, it is crucial to develop effective communication and education strategies, in addition to researching the impact of policies, campaigns, and regional barriers to improve vaccination adherence and protect public health.