Influences of Cultural Factors on Vaccination Practices Among Parents Prior to School Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Understanding the cultural influences on parents in Saudi Arabia regarding adherence to childhood vaccination programs is crucial for the health and safety of the whole society. This study aims to explore the impact of cultural factors on parents' attitudes toward vaccinating children before school age. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on cross-sectional and interventional studies. Electronic databases were comprehensively searched using specific keywords after obtaining PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42024517434. The inclusion criteria focused on studies that examined cultural factors influencing childhood vaccination in Saudi Arabia. Across 30 articles, we identified seven key themes: economic and political aspects, cultural values, the socio-cultural position of women, the impact of religious and philosophical factors, knowledge and education levels of parents, technological influences, and knowledge levels of health care providers. The pooled cultural factors were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis, and we conducted meta-regression studies to explore the effects of relevant variables. The meta-analysis revealed significant associations between parental age, education level, and the number of children with vaccination compliance. Parents aged 30-40 or over 40, those with higher education levels, and those with more than four children were more likely to be compliant. Nevertheless, parental occupation did not exhibit a significant association with vaccination compliance. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate cultural factors influencing childhood vaccination in Saudi Arabia. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring public health strategies to address specific cultural nuances and promote vaccination adherence.