Implementation of prophylactic vaccinations in children from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodship

Introduction: Protective vaccinations are an important element of health prophylaxis. Their implementation depends on the parents’ attitudes and their socio-economic situation. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of vaccinations in children in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian region. Materials and methods: The study included 278 parents of children hospitalised in the Department of Paediatrics, Allergology and Gastroenterology, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz. A self-made questionnaire concerning the implementation of compulsory and recommended vaccinations depending on demographical factors and two standardised psychological scales (the Plopa Parental Attitude Scale and the STAI – State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). Results: 93.53% of respondents consider vaccinations necessary. 96.40% of children were vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule. In 3.24%, compulsory vaccination was abandoned at least once, and the vaccination schedule was modified for 67.99% of children. Recommended vaccinations were provided by 47.12% of children, more often from cities, parents with higher education and income and less often with at least three children. Most parents (57.19%) look for information about vaccinations, most often from a doctor and the Internet, less often from posters, leaflets, magazines, and least often from friends and the media. Mothers who are looking for information about vaccination from Internet have lower level of anxiety. Conclusions: The majority of the society implements compulsory vaccinations, and less than half of them are recommended. The implementation is influenced by the financial situation and education of parents. There is a need for individualised education of the society, depending on the social group of recipients.