New study shows that Western Australian midwives may be able to improve low vaccination coverage in Perth-based Aboriginal children, but they need help.
A new study led by researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) found that Western Australian midwives are in a privileged position to help improve vaccination coverage in Aboriginal children living in Perth. However, they need better support to make a significant difference.
In Perth, Aboriginal children have the nation’s lowest level of vaccination. Only 79% of children aged 24-27 months are currently fully vaccinated – compared to the national average of 95%.
According to lead researcher Rebecca Carman, historically, vaccination has been a job of GPs, but midwives may be able to play an important role too. “Starting these vaccination discussions with parents before a child is born creates a sense of vaccine awareness and provides an opportunity for midwives to address difficult vaccine-related conversations, as they arise,” Ms Carman said in a press release.
About the study
The new study, focused on two Perth maternity hospitals, found that many of the midwives in these hospitals were not prepared to give childhood vaccine advice to parents. Out of 58 midwives surveyed, less than 23% were aware of the current low vaccination rates among Perth’s Aboriginal children. Furthermore, about 44% of the midwives who took part of the study reported lack of confidence in their understanding of vaccines and about 33% said they do not routinely discuss childhood vaccinations with parents prior to hospital discharge.
According to Ms Carman, if properly supported, midwives could help create vaccine awareness in parents during different stages, from the antenatal period, throughout birth and at the time of hospital discharge. “Midwives spend a considerable amount of time with parents during the pregnancy and following the birth of a child – this builds a lot of trust,” Ms Carman said. “Almost all of the midwives surveyed viewed vaccinations as a vital part of disease-prevention, but many reported lacking knowledge of childhood vaccines,” she added.
Another important issue raised by this study is equity. More than 80% of midwives surveyed said they use the same approach to promote vaccination in Aboriginal patients as they do with non-Aboriginal patients. “The use of an equal approach may disadvantage some Aboriginal mothers as it may overlook their specific needs following birth, during the hospitalisation and in the lead up to discharge,” Ms Carman said.
Also, over 82% of midwives said there was a need of more appropriate vaccine promotional materials, which could help them with their clinical practice. “Midwives are in support of vaccines, but report having a lack of confidence and knowledge on the vaccines used during childhood,” Ms Carman said.