AUGUST 2024
Promoting vaccination uptake and reducing vaccine hesitancy: A role of community engagement
1Dr. Syed Aqeel Akbar Shah Gillani, 2Marwa Satti, 3Dr. Mairaj khan , 4Murad Javed Butt, 5Mobeen Ali, 6Mohib Ali
AP. BMC, UHS, Tareen. MO. Quetta, PIMS, PIMS,PIMS
Correspondence: Dr. Syed Aqeel Akbar Shah Gillani, AP. BMC
Abstract
Background: Vaccination is a crucial public health intervention, yet vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge to achieving optimal immunization coverage. Community engagement has emerged as a potential catalyst for overcoming vaccine hesitancy and enhancing vaccination uptake. This study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of community engagement in the context of promoting vaccination, aiming to understand its role in addressing hesitancy and improving overall immunization rates.
Aim: The primary objective of this research is to determine the role of community engagement in promoting vaccination uptake and reducing vaccine hesitancy. By investigating the dynamics of community involvement, the study aims to provide insights into effective strategies and interventions that can be implemented to foster a positive vaccination culture within communities.
Methods: This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions will be conducted to gather perspectives from community members, healthcare providers, and public health experts. The quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical methods, while thematic analysis will be applied to qualitative data. The study will focus on diverse communities to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the role of community engagement across different sociocultural contexts.
Results: Preliminary findings suggest that community engagement plays a pivotal role in shaping vaccination attitudes and behaviors. Communities with active engagement initiatives exhibit higher vaccination uptake rates and reduced levels of hesitancy. The qualitative analysis reveals key themes such as trust-building, education, and inclusivity as crucial components of successful community engagement strategies. Moreover, the quantitative data demonstrates a positive correlation between the intensity of community engagement efforts and vaccination coverage.
Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of community engagement in addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting vaccination uptake. The findings emphasize the need for tailored, culturally sensitive interventions that prioritize community involvement. Establishing trust, providing accessible education, and fostering inclusivity are identified as key elements in successful community engagement initiatives. Policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and community leaders can leverage these insights to develop targeted strategies that enhance immunization rates and contribute to public health resilience.
Keywords: Community engagement, vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, immunization, public health, community involvement, trust-building, healthcare, qualitative research, quantitative research.