An Evaluation of Doctors and Medical Student’s Attitudes and Beliefs of Paediatric Vaccinations in Pakistan

Aims

Doctors and medical students now have decreased exposure to Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) as successful vaccination programs have decreased their prevalence. This combined with the media’s negative portrayal of vaccines may cause misconceptions and misinformation. The aim of this study was to explore attitudes and beliefs of paediatric vaccinations, identify training needs and make recommendations for future training.

Methods

Vaccination attitudes and beliefs of medical students from four Pakistani hospitals and one medical school was assessed by an anonymous, self-administered, cross-sectional, internet-based survey from 14 April 2015 to 14 July 2015. Questions related to the importance of vaccination, effects of multiple vaccines, reasons for parental refusal and perceived barriers to vaccination in both developed and developing countries. Data were analysed qualitatively for themes and sub-themes. Ethical approval was obtained from King’s College, University of London.

Results

103 doctors from four institutions and 29 medical students from one institution in Karachi, Pakistan participated. Overall, the majority of doctors (83/102 (81.4%)) and students (25/29 (86.2%)) agree/strongly agree that parental refusal to vaccinate their child is a form of neglect. 63/102 (61.8%) of doctors and 11/29 (37.9%)students disagree/strongly disagree that unvaccinated children should be excluded from school. 89/102 (87.3%)of doctors and 14/29 (48.3%)of students disagree/strongly disagree that multiple vaccines weaken a child’s immune system. 51/52 (98%). 90/102 (88.2%) of doctors and 13/29 (44.8%) of students disagree/strongly disagree that natural immunity is better than vaccines.

Conclusion

This study identifies attitudes of doctors and medical students in Pakistan towards children’s vaccines and the findings form a platform upon which to develop educational interventions to integrate in formal educational curriculum. Recommendations include developing up-to-date core competencies and Continuing Medical Education should be tailor-made. Teaching methods used in institutions should be analysed and compared to determine the most effective strategies. Differences in perceived barriers to vaccination in developed and developing countries are also highlighted.