Factors in Polio Vaccine Hesitancy: A Parental Survey

Abstract

Background: Despite ongoing nationwide immunization campaigns and widespread availability of vaccination services, polio eradication efforts in Pakistan continue to be hindered by persistent vaccine hesitancy. Parental mistrust, misinformation, and sociocultural beliefs remain major contributors to reduced vaccine uptake, particularly in high‑risk groups. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of polio vaccine hesitancy among parents visiting a tertiary pediatric hospital in Lahore and to identify independent factors associated with hesitancy. Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted at the Children’s Hospital Lahore involving 257 parents or primary caregivers of children aged five years or younger. Data were collected through a structured interviewer‑administered questionnaire covering demographic information, polio‑related knowledge, perceived vaccine safety, exposure to misinformation, and attitudinal barriers. Analysis included descriptive statistics, chi‑square testing, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Among the 257 participants, 71 (27.6%) exhibited polio vaccine hesitancy. Significant factors associated with hesitancy included low educational attainment, low household income, distrust in vaccine safety, belief in infertility myths, religious apprehensions, and exposure to vaccine‑related misinformation on social media. In multivariable analysis, distrust in vaccine safety emerged as the strongest predictor of hesitancy (adjusted OR 5.72; 95% CI 2.76–11.87), followed by belief in infertility myths (adjusted OR 4.38; 95% CI 2.01–9.53) and exposure to misinformation (adjusted OR 3.16; 95% CI 1.68–5.93). Conclusion: Polio vaccine hesitancy among parents in Lahore remains substantial and is largely driven by mistrust and misinformation. Strengthening vaccine acceptance will require focused communication strategies, targeted myth‑busting approaches, and trust‑building interventions.