'Immunisation, I haven't had a problem, but once again the transport, making an appointment, the time that you waste and all of those things are an issue'-Understanding childhood under-immunisation in Mid North Coast New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

bjectives: This study aimed to understand the reasons for childhood under-immunisation in Kempsey, New South Wales, among First Nations and non-First Nations families, and potential strategies to improve coverage.

Design: The World Health Organization's Tailoring Immunization Programmes guide was employed. Tailoring Immunization Programmes uses social science, qualitative research methods and community participation and is underpinned by the Capabilities Opportunities Motivations-Behaviors (COM-B) theoretical model of behaviour change. A cultural lens was applied throughout the study design. Using a thematic analysis, factors found to influence childhood under-immunisation were loosely mapped against COM-B framework.

Setting: Face-to-face interviews and focus groups conducted in locations and at times convenient to participants were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Participants: Fifty-six participants (25 First Nations and 13 non-First Nations mothers and grandmothers, and 18 health service providers) took part in the study (July-October 2019).

Results: Four themes were identified: (a) parents are supportive of immunisation and effective reminders would make it easier to prioritise it (b) services could be more accessible for families (c) addressing workforce shortages could improve access to immunisation services and (d) addressing entrenched racism in the community will help build cultural safety in health services. While parents in Kempsey were supportive of immunisation, resourceful and resilient, many struggled to overcome entrenched structural and cultural barriers to accessing services. This was particularly difficult for First Nations, socially disadvantaged and single mums.

Conclusions: Public health services can provide more support to those mothers and grandmothers who need it most, to ensure they are able to access immunisation services without delay.