Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Associated With Not Receiving Hepatitis A Vaccine in a Demonstration Project in Butte County, California

Abstract

Objective. To determine hepatitis A vaccination coverage and factors associated with not receiving hepatitis A vaccine among children. Methods. A random cluster sample survey was conducted of parents of children who attended kindergarten in Butte County, California, in 2000. Because of a history of recurrent epidemics, an aggressive hepatitis A vaccination program was ongoing during the time this study was conducted. Receipt of 1 or 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine was studied. Results. Of 896 surveys sent, 648 (72%) were completed. The vaccination coverage for at least 1 dose of hepatitis A vaccine was 398 (62%) and for 2 doses was 272 (42%). Factors associated with not receiving the vaccine included lack of provider recommendation (vs having recommendation; odds ratio [OR]: 7.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.9–12.2), not having heard of the vaccine (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2–4.9), and parent’s not perceiving child is likely to get hepatitis A (vs perceiving child might get disease; OR: 2.1; CI: 1.6–2.9). Conclusions. Vaccination coverage among kindergartners did not reach high levels (ie, >90%), despite aggressive vaccination efforts in this community. Lack of provider recommendation and lack of parental awareness of hepatitis A vaccine were the 2 most significant factors associated with failure to receive vaccine. These findings will facilitate the development of vaccination strategies for communities in which hepatitis A vaccination is recommended.