วิถีชีวิตและความเชื่อของครอบครัวชาวพม่าที่มีบุตรรับวัคซีนขั้นพื้นฐานไม่ครบ

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate way of life of Burmese families, marginal people, with unvaccinated children and their beliefs about vaccination at a health care center. It was a qualitative study, which examined 12 Burmese families with children from birth to 5 years old and not receiving all recommended vaccines. The study families were living in Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi province. The findings revealed the way of life of Burmese families, which hindered vaccinations for their children: they were casual labors whose working hours were up to their employers and living places were in the fields in remote areas. Besides, they had to move often to get a better job and were unable to speak Thai. Regarding beliefs about vaccinations, Burmese families believed that being vaccinated does not help prevent diseases, but makes children sick. Moreover, there were several beliefs about the health care center, such as it was owned by the government and should be avoided, there were many clients at the center, the system of the health care center had several steps, the wait time was long, the health care services were not compatible with the Burmese way of life, appointment cards were needed, and the center was far away. Recommendations from the study: to educate Burmese families on the advantages of vaccination, the campaign should be run by Burmese health volunteers and the materials should be in the Burmese language. Furthermore, health care services should be adjusted to be well-matched with the Burmese families' way of life.