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Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 17, No. 3, 311-322 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732306298561
© 2007 SAGE Publications

The Role Familiarity With Science and Medicine Plays in Parents’ Decision Making About Enrolling a Child in Vaccine Research

Tracey E. A. Chantler

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Amanda Lees

Southampton University, United Kingdom

E. Richard Moxon

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

David Mant

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Andrew J. Pollard

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Ray Fiztpatrick

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Parental consent to children’s participation in vaccine research has resulted in the licensure of essential vaccines. Recruitment to this type of research is typically difficult, however, and many parents decline. In this study, the authors interviewed parents about their decision for or against enrolling their child in a vaccine study. The data analysis suggests that parents’ ability to evaluate a vaccine study depends on how attuned they are with science and medicine, either professionally or as consumers of health services. Familiarity does not predispose parents to enrolling their child in research; rather, it is a predictor of parents’ confidence in their decision making. Many parents were motivated by altruism and trust, which, if uninformed, can leave the parents prone to exploitation. It is vital to ensure that parents are confident in their judgment of a study and its potential benefit to their child and society.

Key Words: pediatric vaccine research • qualitative methods • parents’ perceptions • familiarity with science • altruism


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