Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health

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Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2020, Pages 46 - 58

Resurgence of Measles in Europe: A Systematic Review on Parental Attitudes and Beliefs of Measles Vaccine

Authors
Annika B. Wilder-Smith1, *, Kaveri Qureshi2
1School of Social and Political Science, Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
2School of Social and Political Science, Global Health Policy Unit, University of Edinburgh, Crystal Macmillan Building, Edinburgh EH8 9LD, UK
*Corresponding author. Email: awildersmith@gmail.com
Corresponding Author
Annika B. Wilder-Smith
Received 7 July 2019, Accepted 11 November 2019, Available Online 5 December 2019.
DOI
10.2991/jegh.k.191117.001How to use a DOI?
Keywords
Vaccine confidence; Wakefield; vaccine refusal; measles; vaccine hesitancy
Abstract

Background and Objectives: Europe has experienced a major resurgence of measles in recent years, despite the availability and free access to a safe, effective, and affordable vaccination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR). The main driver for this is suboptimal vaccine coverage. The three objectives of this study are to synthesize and critically assess parental attitudes and beliefs toward MMR uptake, to develop strategies and policy recommendations to effectively improve MMR vaccine uptake accordingly, and ultimately to identify areas for further research.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using primary studies from PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Scopus published between 2011 and April 2019. Inclusion criteria comprised primary studies in English conducted in Europe and studying parental attitudes and behavior regarding MMR uptake. Data were extracted using an inductive grounded theory approach.

Results: In all, 20 high-quality studies were identified. Vaccine hesitancy or refusal were mainly due to concerns about vaccine safety, effectiveness, perception of measles risk and burden, mistrust in experts, and accessibility. Factors for MMR uptake included a sense of responsibility toward child and community health, peer judgement, trust in experts and vaccine, and measles severity. Anthroposophical and Gypsy, Roma, and Traveler populations presented unique barriers such as accessibility.

Conclusion: A multi-interventional, evidence-based approach is vital to improve confidence, competence, and convenience of measles vaccination uptake. Healthcare professionals need an understanding of individual contextual attitudes and barriers to MMR uptake to tailor effective communication. Effective surveillance is needed to identify under-vaccinated populations for vaccination outreach programs to improve accessibility and uptake.

Copyright
© 2019 Atlantis Press International B.V.
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

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<Previous Article In Issue
Next Article In Issue>
Journal
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
Volume-Issue
10 - 1
Pages
46 - 58
Publication Date
2019/12/05
ISSN (Online)
2210-6014
ISSN (Print)
2210-6006
DOI
10.2991/jegh.k.191117.001How to use a DOI?
Copyright
© 2019 Atlantis Press International B.V.
Open Access
This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

Cite this article

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TY  - JOUR
AU  - Annika B. Wilder-Smith
AU  - Kaveri Qureshi
PY  - 2019
DA  - 2019/12/05
TI  - Resurgence of Measles in Europe: A Systematic Review on Parental Attitudes and Beliefs of Measles Vaccine
JO  - Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
SP  - 46
EP  - 58
VL  - 10
IS  - 1
SN  - 2210-6014
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/jegh.k.191117.001
DO  - 10.2991/jegh.k.191117.001
ID  - Wilder-Smith2019
ER  -