Socio-Demographic Factors of Childhood Vaccine Hesitancy in Albania

Ledia Qatipi, Albana Fico, Mandy Biles

Keywords: Socio-demographic factors, vaccine hesitancy, childhood vaccination, Albania

Background:

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) poses a significant threat to global health. VH in Albania has increased in the last decade. According to Albania Demographic and Health Survey immunization rates have declined from 94% in 2008-2009 to 75% in 2017-2018. The current literature on socio-demographic factors influencing childhood VH in Albania is limited and this study aims to provide this knowledge.

Research questions:

This study aims to assess all legal caregivers’ socio-demographic factors and their influence in vaccine hesitancy and refusal.

Method:

A total of 4082 Albanian legal caregivers participated in this cross sectional study. The validated and approved questionnaire consists of questions on: socio-demographic data, behavior and attitude towards vaccines, and beliefs in the safety and efficacy of vaccines. This anonymous questionnaire was randomly given to legal caregivers of children 0-18 years old in randomly selected health centers. Frequencies, Chi square, Fisher’s exact test and Logistic binary regression were used for the statistical analysis.

Results:

Regression analysis identified marital status (single, widowed, separated, or divorced) (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.37-2.66 ), urban residency ( OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.43-2.03 ), having more than four children ( OR 10.02, 95% CI 5.21-19.28 ) , high education or doctorate education (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.16-3.43) , very poor income ( OR 13.82 , 95% CI 6.96-27.49) , Roma ethnicity (OR 18.03, 95% CI 8.20-39.63 ), Evangelical Christians (OR=3.33 , 95% CI 2.33-4.76) or Muslims (OR=1.33 95% CI 1.06-1.69 ) as significant predictors of VH . Consulting a pediatrician significantly increases the odds of parental VH/refusal by 1.88 ( 95% CI 1.61-2.21).

Conclusions:

Socio-demographic factors are significant predictors of parental VH in Albania. These insights can lead public health decision-makers in targeting hesitant parent groups and developing educational interventions that address specific barriers and concerns, aiming to enhance caregivers’ knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of vaccinations.

Points for discussion:

1. Which socio-demographic factors are significant predictors of childhood VH in your country?

2. What are some similarities and differences among related VH socio-demographic factors in your country?

3. What are some targeted interventions you use to improve childhood VH in your country?

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