Parental perceptions of barriers to child immunizations in two rural communities in Erie County, Pennsylvania

Research indicates that the rate of immunizations of preschool children living in rural areas is lower than 90%. These too-low rates have been attributed to many factorsin the literature. The need was identified for research into what barriers, if any, parents encounter in getting their children the appropriate immunizations. The objective of this study was to discover if parents living in Wattsburg and Corry, in Erie County Pennsylvania, perceived any reasons for difficulty in getting their preschool children the immunizations they need. Interviewers were trained to use the interview questionnaire in order to maximize interviewer consistency, and to protect the subjects' anonymity. The target population was parents or primary caregivers of children under the age of 7 who resided in either Wattsburg or Corry in rural northwestern Erie County, Pennsylvania. The sample was a convenience sample. The 51 subjects were interviewed using a structured script and survey questionnaire, at three grocery stores located in the two areas of interest. Coupons and magnetic coupon holders were given as incentives to the parents to encourage completion of the interview. Subjects consisted of anyone who was the parent or primary caregiver of a preschool child under the age of seven and willing to complete the interview. The survey consisted of 34 questions designed to elicit both qualitative and quantitative data. The use of a small accidental sample was a limitation of this study. Results of this study confirm the hypothesis. Some parents of preschool children in these two areas do report barriers to immunizations and well child care.