Parents' vaccine literacy level and attitudes and behaviors towards childhood vaccines

This descriptive study aims to determine parents' vaccine literacy levels and their attitudes and behaviors toward childhood vaccinations. The research was conducted between June 2024 and September 2024 with 422 volunteer parents of children aged 0-14 years who visited Güvercintepe Family Health Center in Istanbul's Başakşehir district. Data were collected using the Socio-Demographic Characteristics Information Form, the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) Scale, and the Vaccine Literacy Scale. The data were analyzed using the (SPSS) version 27. For comparisons of mean scores between two independent groups, the Independent Samples t-Test was used, while comparisons among more than two independent groups were performed using the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that 97.6% of participants vaccinated their children. The total mean score of the PACV Scale was 35.38 ± 17.67. Significant differences were identified between the Functional Health Literacy subscale scores and variables such as age (p<0.001), mother's education level (p<0.001), father's education level (p<0.01), income level (p<0.01), and the number of children (p<0.05). Additionally, significant differences were observed between PACV scores and variables including the belief in the necessity of vaccinations (p<0.001), regularity of vaccinations (p<0.001), opinions on the mandatory vaccination program (p<0.001), experience of vaccine-related side effects in children (p<0.01), the decision to administer all recommended vaccines for a new baby (p<0.001), administration of adult vaccines (p<0.001), and the perception of the necessity of vaccines for adults (p<0.001). The findings also showed that 20.6% of participants experienced vaccine hesitancy. A positive, low-level, and statistically significant linear relationship was found between functional health literacy levels and vaccine hesitancy (p<0.001). In conclusion, parents' vaccine literacy levels positively influence their attitudes and compliance with childhood vaccinations. To reduce vaccine hesitancy, access to accurate information and guidance from healthcare professionals are recommended. Keywords: Parents, Vaccine Literacy Level, Childhood Vaccinations, Attitudes and Behaviors, Public Health Nurs