Original Articles
Acceptability of Covid-19 vaccine for healthy children and its associated factors: Parents’ perception from a study conducted in Galle district of Sri Lanka
Authors:
Imalke Kankananarachchi ,
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About Imalke
Faculty of Medicine
M. A. F. Nafla,
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About M. A. F.
Faculty of Medicine
Hasini Chathurika Wackwella,
Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, LK
About Hasini
I. L. A. N. Darshana,
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About I. L. A. N.
Faculty of Medicine
Udari Kaushalya Egodage,
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About Udari
Faculty of Medicine
M. H. A. D. de Silva,
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About M. H. A. D.
Faculty of Medicine
Pushpika Jayawardana,
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About Pushpika
Faculty of Medicine
Nayana Liyanarachchi
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About Nayana
Faculty of Medicine
Abstract
Introduction: Vaccination has proved effective in mitigating Covid-19 transmission and severe infection. Sri Lanka has launched a programme to vaccinate children aged 12-18 years with chronic illnesses. However, vaccination of healthy children is under discussion. Acceptability of the vaccine would determine the success of the programme.
Objectives: To assess the acceptability of Covid-19 vaccine among parents of children without chronic illness at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK) and selected Private Hospitals in Galle District.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 472 parents attending paediatric care at THK and selected Private Hospitals in Galle District in 2021. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify associated factors with vaccine acceptability at a 0.05 significance level.
Results:The response rate was 83.9% (n=396). The majority (86.6%) were aware of the Covid-19 vaccination programme for children with chronic illnesses in Sri Lanka. Television (67.4%) and social media (18.4%) remained the primary source of information related to the vaccination. Nearly 82% (n=324) of parents were in the position to vaccinate their children, expecting a reduction of disease severity following vaccination (n=268, 82.7%). Fear of immediate side effects (52.7%) and long-lasting health problems (27.7%) were identified as the main reasons for deciding not to vaccinate. Parents who were Sinhalese (OR=2.26, 95%CI=1.18-4.32), having a child suffering from a chronic medical illness (OR=2.51, 95%CI=1.01-6.26) and awareness that some countries have already begun vaccination for healthy children (OR=2.54, 95%CI=1.38-4.68), were more likely in a position to vaccinate. In contrast, parents who had experienced significant side effects following vaccination among any family member (OR=0.31, 95%CI = 0.13-0.73) were unwilling to vaccinate their children.
Conclusions: A high acceptance rate was noted for Covid-19 vaccination for healthy children.
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2022; 51(4): 591-597
How to Cite:
Kankananarachchi, I., Nafla, M.A.F., Wackwella, H.C., Darshana, I.L.A.N., Egodage, U.K., de Silva, M.H.A.D., Jayawardana, P. and Liyanarachchi, N., 2022. Acceptability of Covid-19 vaccine for healthy children and its associated factors: Parents’ perception from a study conducted in Galle district of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 51(4), pp.591–597. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v51i4.10376
Published on
05 Dec 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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