Decision Style Inventory Application in Parent/Guardian Vaccination Decision-Making: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cases of preventable diseases continue to occur globally. Much literature is present about barriers and factors that influence vaccination, but little is known about psychologically ingrained decision-making styles and their relationship with vaccination decisions.

Design/methods: This quantitative descriptive cross-sectional pilot study aimed to explore using an established tool, the Decision Style Inventory (Rowe & Mason, 1987), in parents/guardians of children 2 months to 20 years old.

Results: Nineteen parents/guardians participated in this study and provided positive feedback on the Decision Style Inventory (Rowe & Mason, 1987). Descriptive statistics revealed vaccination decisions occurred more frequently with certain decision styles.

Conclusions: Further research examining associations between decision styles and vaccination decisions is warranted. The findings of such research could lead to new tool development that integrates external factors and parental decision-making style. This new tool could allow healthcare providers to select targeted interventions that holistically address parental vaccination decisions.

Keywords: Vaccination refusal; behavior; immunization; parental consent; vaccination hesitancy.