Perceptions of immunisation adherence by caregivers in the Western Cape province, South Africa: A qualitative study.
Bridgette Lockett, Juliana J Willemse
PMID 42549711WHAT IT FOUND
Caregivers described immunisation visits as shaped by transport costs, clinic hours, waiting times, poor explanations, vaccine stockouts, work pressures, neighbourhood safety and community beliefs.
Clear respectful counselling and reminders were seen as helpful.
Key findings
01Caregivers described access barriers including transport, distance, weather, clinic hours that conflicted with work and neighbourhood safety concerns.
02Caregivers said explanations about vaccines, benefits and side effects were often lacking, but when given they improved understanding and confidence.
03Caregivers reported service delays, staff availability issues, vaccine stockouts and lost work time reduced confidence and could deter follow-up attendance.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study included 16 caregivers from public clinics in the Western Cape, so the themes may not represent all caregivers, especially those who had stopped attending health services. Caregivers reported their own perceptions, so recall or social desirability bias may have affected what they said. The study did not measure immunisation adherence outcomes or compare interventions, so it cannot show which barriers caused missed doses or whether suggested changes would improve coverage.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat these themes as proof that reminders, flexible hours or counselling will improve immunisation rates. The study asked caregivers what they perceived, did not compare groups or measure adherence outcomes, and included 16 caregivers from the Western Cape.