Breaking barriers: a qualitative study on polio vaccine hesitancy in Herat Province, Afghanistan.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Polio vaccination faces persistent challenges in Afghanistan due to socio-cultural barriers, distrust in healthcare systems, and ongoing conflicts, making it crucial to address vaccine hesitancy for successful eradication efforts.. Therefore, this study was designed to explain the reasons for families in Herat Province, Afghanistan, not receiving the polio vaccine.

Methodology

This qualitative study was conducted in 2023 in Herat Province, Afghanistan. In this study, 22 families who refused vaccination were interviewed until data saturation was achieved. To ensure representativeness, participants were purposefully selected to capture demographic diversity in age, economic status, educational background, number of children, and occupation, providing a comprehensi

SUBMITTER: Sillab FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12359938 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature