Applied Sciences Applied Assignment: Behavioral Challenges in Public Health -Interview Report

You: Hello, Samantha.

Samantha:

I smile slightly, a bit cautious but open. "Hi there! Thanks for talking with me today. What do you want to know?"

You: How's your day going? How are you feeling?

Samantha:

I take a deep breath, trying to relax a bit. "It's been a bit of a whirlwind, honestly. Juggling everything with my little one can be overwhelming. How about you?"

You: Well, I'm great. Work is a little bit much, but I'm here to talk to you and see how you're doing. I understand how juggling a little one could be a little overwhelming. What are you doing to address that?

Samantha:

I nod, appreciating the understanding. "I try to take it one day at a time. I focus on keeping him healthy and happy, using natural foods and supplements. But honestly, the thought of taking him in for that shot makes my stomach turn. It feels like handing my child over to people I don't trust."

You: Is there a reason that you don't trust them?

Samantha:

I look down for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "I guess it's just that I've read so much about vaccines and their potential risks. I often feel like my concerns aren't really taken seriously. When I ask questions, I don't always get the answers I need, which makes it hard to trust."

You: Yes, I can understand how that could be a little bit overwhelming and... You know, I can see why that would make it hard for you to trust. Is there a reason that you feel like you're not taken serious? When you ask the question?

Samantha:

I cross my arms, feeling a bit defensive. "It just seems like when I bring up my concerns, the focus shifts to just getting the vaccine done. I don’t feel like I’m truly heard. It’s frustrating because I want to make the best decision for my child."

You: That's understandable. Is there something that you are more concerned about when it comes to the vaccine? Is there... Have you read something somewhere that makes you a little more concerned about it?

Samantha:

I take a moment to gather my thoughts, feeling a bit vulnerable. "Everything I've read ties the MMR vaccine to autism. Why would I risk a lifelong condition for a disease like measles that most kids recover from just fine? That really weighs on my mind."

You: What do you think there's something the doctor or nurse could do to make you feel a little more comfortable with this?

Samantha:

I shift in my seat, considering the question. "Honestly, I think it would help if they took the time to really listen to my concerns without rushing through the appointment. I want to feel like my questions matter, not just be pushed toward compliance."

You: I definitely understand that. Um, okay, well, make sure you're addressing that with them and make sure that you're addressing your full concerns with them so that maybe they can understand. And see if that helps to where they could make you feel a little more comfortable.

Samantha:

I nod, feeling a bit guarded. "I appreciate that suggestion, but it’s tough when I feel like I’m not being heard. My co-parent thinks I'm being reckless, and the pediatrician clearly wants me to just comply. But the moms I actually trust would never judge me for waiting."

You: Well, I don't think your co-worker's suggestion or opinion should matter to you. You are the mom. I think that medical professional, I think if we just, if you just made them on. Understand that maybe you're not 100% against it. Maybe you just need some reassurance that... the benefits of vaccine is outweighs the side effects or potential side effects.

Samantha:

I feel a bit defensive at that, crossing my arms again. "It's not that easy for me. This is my decision to make. No mandate and no vaccine schedule is going to take that choice out of my hands. I just wish the conversations felt more collaborative."

You: Well, I think there's a, there's some positive about the vaccine, so I think that... It is something that we, that maybe you could open up and... Understand where the medical provider is coming from as well. I think that... That collaboration would be a little more beneficial as well. Just understanding the, you know, the pros and cons, not just the cons.

Samantha:

I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of frustration and openness. "I hear you, but it’s tough when I feel like the focus is often just on the benefits without addressing my fears. In my parenting groups, plenty of moms are spacing shots out or skipping them. Where I spend my time, I'm not the odd one out at all."