Opinions and attitudes of parents and healthcare workers on health education and immunization in Тutin municipality

Introduction: Negative attitudes and anti-vaccination propaganda are imposed daily on confused parents. In such a context, enhanced health education can play an important role in correctly understanding the role of vaccination in preserving health and changing people's behavior in that direction. The aim of this study was to explore whether the role of health education is adequately addressed within the healthcare system and the wider community. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using the COM-B model to assess capability, opportunity, and motivation as three key factors for behavior change. The number of focus groups and number of participants were formed according the international and scientific rules. We conducted a total of 2 focus groups: with parents and with healthcare workers. All invited participants attended. The meetings were held in person, face-to-face, at the Health education Office of the Health Center Tutin between April 1 and May 30, 2024.Discussion topics included the experiences of healthcare workers in implementing immunization, identifying obstacles they face, suggestions for overcoming these obstacles, and for parents, the way they obtain information about vaccines, reasons for refusal, and the possibility of collaboration with healthcare workers and other social structures. Results: According to data from the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, in 2022, the municipality of Tutin had the worst coverage for the first revaccination of the DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine - only 28.7%.The analysis covered focus groups with a total of 16 participants (9 parents and 7 healthcare workers). Among the parents, 44% were male, and 56% were female, with an average age of 33 years, while among healthcare workers, 29% were male, and 71% were female, with an average age of 41 years. Parents emphasized the need for clearer and verified information about vaccine safety, with 67% obtaining information from social media. Healthcare workers highlighted the importance of intensifying health education through schools and media, as well as the need for intersectoral collaboration. They also noted facing a lack of time and administrative barriers that limit the possibility of individualized approaches to parents. Conclusion: Parents and healthcare workers from Tutin municipality agree on the need for health education and that its planning and implementation in healthcare institutions, schools, and other collectives would contribute to a better understanding and easier decision-making regarding vaccination. Discussions with immunization providers and parents helped us understand their perspectives on the role of health education in improving the vaccination process.