The Roles of Acculturation and Pre-migration Experiences in Influencing the Confidence of Vietnamese Parents in Vaccine Use Among Adolescents.

Abstract

Vaccine confidence is a critical antecedent of vaccine uptake. Little research has examined vaccine confidence among Asian communities, particularly the associations with acculturation and pre-migration experiences. We explored this issue among U.S. Vietnamese parents. Our study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to investigate the influence of American acculturation, Vietnamese acculturation, and pre-migration experiences on U.S. Vietnamese parents' vaccine confidence for their adolescents. A cross-sectional web-based survey (n = 408) was followed by semi-structured interviews (n = 32). Quantitative analysis showed that many participants reported high or complete trust in scientists involved in vaccine development (61%), federal agencies responsible for vaccine safety monitoring and licensure (53%), the CDC (62%), and the FDA (58%). High or complete trust in scientists was associated with a higher Vietnamese acculturation score [aRR = 1.20 (1.03-1.40)], while trust in federal government agencies was associated with English medical proficiency [aRR = 1.42 (1.15-1.76)]. Qualitative findings provided deeper insights, with many parents expressing trust in vaccine efficacy, safety, and the rigorous development and approval process. Pre-migration experiences in Vietnam had mixed influences on vaccine confidence. Some participants cited positive experiences with the national immunization program, while others were influenced by negative vaccine-related injury stories. Newer immigrants reported limited familiarity with U.S. health authorities. Language preferences (Vietnamese versus English) for vaccine information varied. Our study highlights the complex interplay of acculturation, cultural identity, language, and historical experiences in shaping vaccine confidence among U.S. Vietnamese parents and emphasizes the need to take these factors into account with tailored public health strategies.