Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Primary Minor

Clinical and Counseling Science

Second Minor

Leadership Studies

Thesis Advisor

Deborah Meshel, BSN, MSN

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention designed for parents of pediatric patients who are vaccine hesitant and its impact on childhood vaccination rates. This research proposal aims to assess whether targeted education addressing vaccine misinformation, safety concerns, and benefits influences parental decision-making and improves vaccine uptake.

Methods

Parents of pediatric patients will be recruited from pediatric clinics and community health centers. Participants will complete a baseline survey before receiving an educational intervention addressing vaccine misinformation, social media-driven misconceptions, and hesitancy. A post-intervention survey will then assess changes in vaccine hesitancy, and vaccination rates will be monitored through medical records.

Results

If the findings are statistically significant, then it will prove the hypothesis that an educational intervention addressing medical misinformation about vaccines will improve vaccination rates among vaccine-hesitant parents of pediatric patients.

Conclusion

The results gained from this study will highlight effective communication strategies and evidence-based educational approaches that can better equip healthcare providers, particularly pediatric nurses, with the necessary information to address vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, findings may contribute to healthcare policies aimed at improving immunization coverage and reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in pediatric populations.

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