HOW SLOVAK MOTHERS VIEW CHILD VACCINATION: FOCUS GROUP ANALYSIS.

Objectives. The number of vaccination refusals is growing. A total of 1,291 vaccination refusals were recorded in Slovakia in August 2012. By August 2013, the number of refusals had risen to 2,595. The aim of this study is to investigate the issues and heuristics that play a role in parental decision-making on children's vaccinations. Method. The authors conducted four focus groups among mothers of children under the age of 5 (N=34). The data were transcribed and analysed using qualitative analysis software and thematic analysis. Results. First-time mothers often reported being under pressure to make vaccination decisions within the stressful context of new-born checkups. Under such conditions decision making is often subject to biases and driven by fear. In this paper, the heuristics that may play a role in the decision-making process are described. Discussion. Parents attempt to balance the potential risks of having their child vaccinated or not. Trust is another theme that tends to surface repeatedly in a system incapable of adequately dealing with questions related to vaccination safety. Conclusions. Vaccination is perceived to be a controversial medical intervention. Parents require assistance when deciding whether to vaccinate their child, especially in the form of clear, concise, balanced and empathetic discussion with paediatricians. Appropriate decision-making aids would also help the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]