| Abstract [eng] |
Background. Vaccination is one of the most significant public health interventions, reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. However, vaccination coverage in Lithuania is declining, which increases the risk of the spread of infectious diseases. Despite the opportunity to get their children vaccinated against 14 infectious diseases free of charge, parental refusal to vaccinate their children remains one of the main reasons for declining vaccination coverage. It is important to identify the social and behavioral factors leading to refusal to vaccinate children. The aim of the research. To assess the epidemiological patterns of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Lithuania, the factors driving them, and the attitudes of parents raising children toward childhood vaccinations, as well as the factors influencing these attitudes. Tasks. 1. To describe the epidemiological patterns of vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccination coverage in Lithuania. 2. To reveal the attitudes of parents raising children toward childhood vaccinations. 3. To identify the main factors influencing parents’ attitudes toward childhood vaccinations. Methods. A descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted using data from the State Data Agency, the National Public Health Center, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for 2014–2024. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted to explore parents’ attitudes toward childhood vaccination and the factors influencing them. Between June and September 2025, 20 interviews were conducted with parents raising children under 18 years of age. Interview data were analyzed using deductive qualitative content analysis based on the 5C model components: confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, collective responsibility, while also identifying additional topics. Results. Between 2014 and 2024, vaccination coverage in Lithuania declined: tuberculosis by 4.52%; hepatitis B by 3.88%; pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B infection by 4.08%. The largest decrease was observed for measles, mumps and rubella vaccination (7.23%). Statistically significant increases in the incidence of pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae, and pneumococcal infection were identified. Some parents viewed vaccination positively and considered it as an important protective measure, whereas others doubted vaccine safety and effectiveness. Parents’ attitudes were influenced by trust in vaccines and healthcare professionals, assessment of disease risk, personal experiences, social environment, and evaluation of vaccine-related information. Conclusions. Between 2014 and 2024, vaccination coverage in Lithuania declined, while the incidence of certain vaccine-preventable infectious diseases increased. Some parents considered vaccination as a necessary and safe measure, while others had doubts about its safety and effectiveness. Parents’ attitudes were shaped by trust in vaccines and healthcare professionals, assessment of disease risk, personal experiences, social environment, and evaluation of vaccine-related information. Keywords. Vaccination, childhood immunization, parental attitudes, vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccination coverage. |
