The relationship of immunization attitude of parents with 0-2 years old and health literacy

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between health literacy and attitudes towards immunization of parents with 0-2 year old children registered in Dokuz Eylül University Hospital Education Family Health Center. Method: The population of this study in the cross-sectional descriptive model consists of parents with 0-2 years old children registered in Family Health Center at Dokuz Eylül University. As data collection instruments; Sociodemographic data form, Vaccine-related community attitude-health belief model scale and Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 (TSOY-32) is used. Findings: 287 (90%) of the 319 parents who have participated in the study, are female. Participants have scored an average of 37.44±9.72 on the Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32. 16.54±2.33 points from sensitivity perception, which is a sub-dimension of the vaccine related community attitude-health belief model scale, 19.89±3.11 points from the perception of benefit sub-dimension, 15.80±3.22 points from the perception of seriousness subdimension, obstacles 14.76±5.36 points from the sub-dimension of perception of health and 20.87±2.66 points from the sub-dimension of health responsibility, have been scored. A significant difference is found between health literacy classes and health belief model subcomponents ((p<0.001). A significant positive correlation is found between health literacy classes and perceived sensitivity, seriousness, benefit, and health responsibility sub-dimensions, and a significant negative correlation is found in the perceived barriers sub-dimension (p<0.001). In addition, in the multiple linear regression analysis, it has been determined that parents who have a child older than one year old and who are not worried about the safety of vaccines have a higher perception of sensitivity, seriousness and benefit, and a lower perception of barriers. It has been observed that the perception of sensitivity, seriousness, benefit and health responsibility of parents who have their children specially vaccinated is higher. Results: As a result, this study suggests that parents' attitudes about vaccines can be affected by health literacy. These negative attitudes about vaccines can lead to situations such as hesitation or vaccine rejection.