Healthcare professionals’ perspective on the barriers and enablers of Childhood immunization uptake among First Nations in northern Saskatchewan: A qualitative study
1
1 Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
2
2 Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Prince Albert, Canada
3
4 School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
4
8 Department of Family Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
5
3 Health and Social Development, Prince Albert Grand Council, Prince Albert, Canada
6
6 College of Nursing, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
7
5 College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Canada
8
7 Indigenous Services Canada, Regina, Canada
9
9 Waterhen Lake First Nations, Waterhen Lake, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Childhood immunization rates remain suboptimal in some Northern Saskatchewan First Nations communities1,2,3. This study examined healthcare professionals’ perspectives to identify key barriers and enablers influencing vaccine uptake and to inform strategies for improvement.
METHODS:
We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using thematic methods to explore factors influencing childhood immunization in Northern Saskatchewan First Nations communities. Guided by culturally responsive and collaborative approaches, we collected data through sharing circles facilitated as group discussions. Participants included public health nurses, immunization coordinators, and Community Health Representatives recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected during two community-based events in 2024, including an initial session to elicit experiences and a follow-up session for member-checking. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using manual coding and NVivo 14. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board, and the study adhered to OCAP® principles.
RESULTS:
Eight key barriers to childhood immunization were identified, including traditional and religious beliefs, transportation and clinic accessibility challenges, children’s fear and anxiety, competing family priorities, health communication gaps and misinformation, low perceived disease risk, post-COVID-19 disengagement, and service delivery limitations. Four key enablers also emerged: community engagement initiatives, team-based service delivery involving CHRs and maternal child health workers, culturally resonant communication, and Elder involvement in education.
CONCLUSIONS:
Childhood immunization uptake in Northern Saskatchewan First Nations communities reflects a complex interplay of cultural, logistical, and systemic factors. Culturally safe, community-driven approaches that prioritize trust, accessibility, and meaningful engagement are essential to improving immunization outcomes.
Childhood immunization rates remain suboptimal in some Northern Saskatchewan First Nations communities1,2,3. This study examined healthcare professionals’ perspectives to identify key barriers and enablers influencing vaccine uptake and to inform strategies for improvement.
METHODS:
We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using thematic methods to explore factors influencing childhood immunization in Northern Saskatchewan First Nations communities. Guided by culturally responsive and collaborative approaches, we collected data through sharing circles facilitated as group discussions. Participants included public health nurses, immunization coordinators, and Community Health Representatives recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected during two community-based events in 2024, including an initial session to elicit experiences and a follow-up session for member-checking. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using manual coding and NVivo 14. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board, and the study adhered to OCAP® principles.
RESULTS:
Eight key barriers to childhood immunization were identified, including traditional and religious beliefs, transportation and clinic accessibility challenges, children’s fear and anxiety, competing family priorities, health communication gaps and misinformation, low perceived disease risk, post-COVID-19 disengagement, and service delivery limitations. Four key enablers also emerged: community engagement initiatives, team-based service delivery involving CHRs and maternal child health workers, culturally resonant communication, and Elder involvement in education.
CONCLUSIONS:
Childhood immunization uptake in Northern Saskatchewan First Nations communities reflects a complex interplay of cultural, logistical, and systemic factors. Culturally safe, community-driven approaches that prioritize trust, accessibility, and meaningful engagement are essential to improving immunization outcomes.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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