Personal and professional immunization behavior among Alberta chiropractors: a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the relationship among chiropractors' personal immunization decisions, the vaccination status of their children, and their interest in referring patients for immunization.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data collected in a 2002 postal survey of Alberta chiropractors (response rate, 78.2%). Analysis was restricted to chiropractors with children (n = 325). Chiropractors indicated their own vaccination status, that of their children, and their interest in referring patients for immunization. Data analysis included frequencies, cross tabulations, and logistic regression models (alpha = .05).

Results: Most respondents were male (83.4%), had more than one child (71.8%), and had graduated from chiropractic college a median of 13 years before survey. Of the chiropractors, 92.6% had ever been immunized, but only 35.7% would accept immunization for themselves in the future. Further, 66.8% had at least one immunized child, and 21.8% indicated interest in referring patients for immunization. Chiropractors who would accept immunization for self in the future, compared with those who would not, were more likely to indicate interest in patient referral for immunization (odds ratio, 11.4; 95% confidence interval, 5.4-24.0; P < .001). Chiropractors who have at least one immunized child, compared with those with none immunized, were 6.2 times more likely to indicate interest in referring patients for immunization (odds ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-28.4; P = .018).

Conclusions: Alberta chiropractors are consistent in their personal and professional behaviors. Chiropractors who accept vaccinations for themselves or their children are more likely to refer patients to public health for immunizations.