Tarrant & Gregory (2003) in their article "Exploring childhood immunization uptake with First Nations mothers in north-western Ontario, Canada" discusses childhood immunizations and preventive care. Specifically the researchers aimed to explore beliefs First Nations parents hold regarding childhood immunizations, and what factors may influence immunization uptake. Studies suggest that Native American children generally receive lower immunization coverage than children in Canada according to the study. .

             Using a qualitative descriptive design the researchers interviewed twenty-eight mothers within Native Indian communities in Canada regarding vaccine preventable illnesses. The results of the study suggests that First Nations parental beliefs regarding immunizations may positively or negatively influence a child's immunization uptake. The research also suggests that education may enable families to make better decisions regarding their child's health care and immunization uptake.

             The researchers do point out in their work that other studies support that immunization uptake may be negatively impacted by "parental misperceptions, vaccine side-effects and negative outcomes from vaccinations" among other related factors (Tarrant & Gregory, 63). The study confirms that despite increasing exposure to preventable illnesses First Nations mothers did not necessarily change their misperceptions or attitudes regarding vaccination. As a result more first nations children experienced higher rates of disease than children in other communities. The data revealed that First Nations parents were more likely to have concerns regarding the efficacy of immunizations, the experience itself and consequences of immunization, interactions with health professionals and also experience more barriers to immunizations (Tarrant & Gregory, 2003). .

             How This Article Affects Nursing.

             Nurses face many challenges in the health care arena none the least of which is providing care for a diverse population.