Studi Kualitatif Hambatan Vaksinasi BCG pada Anak di Perkotaan Kabupaten Jember: Perspektif Orang Tua/Pengasuh

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health problem and in 2023 again became the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, the only available vaccine for TB prevention, has been used since 1921; however, global BCG vaccination coverage declined in 2023. Although BCG coverage in Indonesia improved in 2024, various barriers to its implementation persist, particularly in urban areas. This study aimed to explore barriers to BCG vaccination among children in urban areas of Jember Regency from the perspectives of parents or caregivers using a qualitative approach. This study was conducted in the urban districts of Sumbersari, Patrang, and Kaliwates, Jember Regency, using a qualitative phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with parents or caregivers of children aged under two years. Of 25 potential participants contacted, 18 met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Data were analyzed thematically. Five main themes of vaccination barriers were identified: decision-making, child-related conditions, access to health facilities, post-vaccination side effects, and vaccine availability. Barriers included the influence of family members, the community and social media, beliefs related to local traditions, child health conditions leading to vaccination delays, limited access to nearby posyandu, inconvenient vaccination schedules, vaccine stock-outs, and challenges in vaccine vial utilization. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of barriers to timely BCG vaccination in urban settings and offers field-based evidence to inform improvements in immunization policies and service delivery, particularly in Jember Regency