Beliefs about childhood immunisation among Lebanese Muslim immigrants in Australia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to describe and analyse care values, beliefs, and practices relating to immunisation by Lebanese Muslim immigrants in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This ethnonursing study explored the importance of care related to immunisation, knowledge of informants relating to vaccines, diseases, side effects, and contraindications. Family responsibilities relating to immunisation care services as well as expectations and evaluations of care services provided were also examined. Data were collected via observation-participation-reflection, including in-depth interviews. The findings revealed significant care themes for Lebanese Muslim informants based on their cultural values, beliefs, and practices related to health and immunisation. Culturally congruent nursing care practices related to immunisation for Lebanese Muslims in NSW, Australia, were identified.