Program

Physician Assistant M.S.

Year Approved

2016

First Advisor

Goetz, Cindy

Abstract

Problem: Throughout the United States, there has been an increasing trend in the number of parents refusing to vaccinate their children. Studies have shown that since the upward trend of refusal to vaccinate has started, there has been an increase in outbreaks of preventable diseases. In Minnesota, there have been no studies to evaluate how many parents are refusing vaccinations for their children or the reasons why. Purpose: This study will evaluate how many parents with children ages five and under are choosing to vaccinate their children or refusing vaccination, and the reasons behind their choice to vaccinate or not. Methods: For three weeks, surveys will be administered to parents of children ages five in a suburban or rural clinic in Minnesota. A receptionist will administer the questionnaire to parents that fall into the established criteria and the parent will complete the survey while they are in the clinic. These surveys will then be collected by the researchers to analyze answers. Outcomes: Data will be obtained from the questionnaires and quantified. The number of parents that vaccinate their children and those that refuse to vaccinate their children will be compared along with reasons for the decisions and the importance of each reason. Benefit: This research project will enhance knowledge of vaccination rates in Minnesota based on suburban or rural settings and reasons why a parent may choose to vaccinate their child, or choose not vaccinate their child.

Degree Name

Masters of Science in Physician Assistant

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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