Parental Vaccine Hesitancy Toward Childhood Immunization: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Third-Class Municipality in the Philippines.

Abstract

Immunization is a key public health strategy for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases; however, vaccine hesitancy remains a persistent challenge. This study determined the level of vaccine hesitancy among mothers of non- and under-immunized children aged 0-24 months in a third-class municipality in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, from February to July 2020. A total of 299 mothers participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing vaccine hesitancy across the domains of confidence and trust, complacency, and perceived risk. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and hesitancy levels, while nonparametric tests examined associations between sociodemographic factors and vaccine hesitancy domains at a significance level of p < .05. Results showed that work status was significantly associated with perceived confidence and trust (U = 5408.50, p = .03) and perceived complacency and risk (U = 5122.00, p < .01), with stay-at-home mothers reporting higher ranks in both domains. Marital status was significantly associated with perceived confidence and trust, H(3) = 25.07, p < .01. Geographic location, H(2) = 24.61, p < .01, prenatal visit history, H(2) = 17.20, p < .01, and health information sources were also significantly associated with perceived confidence and trust, H(5) = 19.04, p < .01, and perceived complacency and risk, H(5) = 32.50, p < .01. These findings highlight the importance of targeted health communication strategies that address determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Engaging health care providers and leveraging trusted information sources may strengthen vaccine confidence and improve routine childhood immunization uptake.