Who or What Influences the Individuals’ Decision-Making Process Regarding Vaccinations?

Thanks to vaccines, many people are not exposed to the risks associated with vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This, however, results in growing popularity of antivaccine movements and affects global and local epidemiological situation. Vaccine hesitancy has become a significant problem not only for epidemiologists but also for practitioners. Fortunately, the hesitant group seems to be vulnerable to intervention, and studies indicate that these patients can be persuaded to undergo vaccinations. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors most strongly affecting vaccination-related attitudes and decisions. An anonymous, self-administered survey consisting of demographic data and single select multiple-choice questions regarding vaccination was conducted. The voluntary study included secondary school pupils, medical and nonmedical students, healthcare professionals, hospital and clinic patients as well as parents. A total of 7950 survey forms were distributed between January 2018 and June 2019 in south-eastern Poland. A total of 6432 respondents (80.2%) completed a questionnaire that was eligible for analysis. The positive attitude toward vaccination was significantly affected by older age, by the fact of obtaining information on vaccinations from a physician, this information’s higher quality (assessed in school grade scale), higher level of knowledge on vaccines and by the fact of denying the association between vaccination and autism in children (p < 0.001). The probability of supporting vaccinations was almost eight-fold lower among respondents believing the vaccine–autism relationship. Chance of supporting vaccination doubled in the group with a higher knowledge level. The individuals not provided with expert information on vaccination were twice as often unconvinced. Age, education and having children significantly affected the attitude toward influenza immunization (p < 0.001). Older, better educated respondents and those having children were more positive about vaccinations. The medical community still exert decisive effects on attitudes toward vaccinations. High-quality information provided by them is of great importance. Skillful and competent provision of evidence-based information disproving the myth about vaccine–autism connection and proper education of medical staff is essential in molding positive attitudes toward vaccinations.

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Attitudes of East Tennessee Residents Towards General and Pertussis Vaccination: A Qualitative Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-55323/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Corinne Tandy ◽

Jennifer M. Jabson Tree

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Future Research ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Behavior Outcomes ◽

Vaccination Decision ◽

East Tennessee ◽

And Behavior ◽

Attitudes And Behavior ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background Despite vaccination being one of the safest and most successful public health tools to control infectious diseases, some people still doubt the efficacy and safety of vaccines. In order to address vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination sentiment, it is necessary to understand vaccination attitude development and vaccination behaviors. The objective of this project was to qualitatively investigate general vaccination attitudes and behavior with an additional emphasis on pertussis vaccination. Methods To identify factors that influence attitudes toward vaccination and behaviors in East Tennessee, eleven one-on-one interviews were conducted with participants recruited through convenience and purposive sampling. Interview protocol and deductive codes were developed using the Triadic Theory of Influence as a theoretical framework. Interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively and themes were identified through constant comparison of interviews, considering both deductively and inductively coded data. Results Most participants (8) held positive attitudes towards vaccination. Participants (8) comfortable with vaccinating themselves or their children said they followed recommendations of doctors. Vaccine hesitant participants’ (3) most frequently cited concern was safety and concern about side effects. These participants also reported that they referenced non-academic or professional sources and felt confident about their knowledge of vaccines and diseases. Vaccine hesitant participants had low perception of risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly pertussis. Participants with children reported that friends and family were influential when deciding to vaccinate their children. Conclusions This study identified themes in the attitudes towards vaccination of participants recruited in East Tennessee. We found that risk perception and family and social group attitudes were the primary influences on vaccination decision making. We recommend that future research includes anti-vaccination participants in their research, if possible, and further explore the relationship between perception of one’s own knowledge and health behavior outcomes.

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Attitudes of East Tennessee residents towards general and pertussis vaccination: a qualitative study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10465-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Corinne B. Tandy ◽

Jennifer M. Jabson Tree

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Future Research ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Behavior Outcomes ◽

Vaccination Decision ◽

East Tennessee ◽

And Behavior ◽

Attitudes And Behavior ◽

The Relationship

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Attitudes of East Tennessee Residents Towards General and Pertussis Vaccination: A Qualitative Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-55323/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Corinne Tandy ◽

Jennifer M. Jabson Tree

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Future Research ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Behavior Outcomes ◽

Vaccination Decision ◽

East Tennessee ◽

And Behavior ◽

Attitudes And Behavior ◽

The Relationship

Abstract BackgroundDespite vaccination being one of the safest and most successful public health tools to control infectious diseases, some people still doubt the efficacy and safety of vaccines. In order to address vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination sentiment, it is necessary to understand vaccination attitude development and vaccination behaviors. The objective of this project was to qualitatively investigate general vaccination attitudes and behavior with an additional emphasis on pertussis vaccination. MethodsTo identify factors that influence attitudes toward vaccination and behaviors in East Tennessee, eleven one-on-one interviews were conducted with participants recruited through convenience and purposive sampling. Interview protocol and deductive codes were developed using the Triadic Theory of Influence as a theoretical framework. Interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively and themes were identified through constant comparison of interviews, considering both deductively and inductively coded data. ResultsMost participants (8) held positive attitudes towards vaccination. Participants (8) comfortable with vaccinating themselves or their children said they followed recommendations of doctors. Vaccine hesitant participants’ (3) most frequently cited concern was safety and concern about side effects. These participants also reported that they referenced non-academic or professional sources and felt confident about their knowledge of vaccines and diseases. Vaccine hesitant participants had low perception of risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly pertussis. Participants with children reported that friends and family were influential when deciding to vaccinate their children. ConclusionsThis study identified themes in the attitudes towards vaccination of participants recruited in East Tennessee. We found that risk perception and family and social group attitudes were the primary influences on vaccination decision making. We recommend that future research includes anti-vaccination participants in their research, if possible, and further explore the relationship between perception of one’s own knowledge and health behavior outcomes.

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Attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Results from the Saudi Residents’ Intention to Get Vaccinated against COVID-19 (SRIGVAC) Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9070798 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 798

Author(s):

Sami H. Alzahrani ◽

Mukhtiar Baig ◽

Mohammed W. Alrabia ◽

Mohammed R. Algethami ◽

Meshari M. Alhamdan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Health Beliefs ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Relative Risk Ratio ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Web Based

Vaccine uptake could influence vaccination efforts to control the widespread COVID-19 pandemic; however, little is known about vaccine acceptance in Saudi Arabia. The present study aimed to assess the Saudi public’s intent to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and explore the associated demographic determinants of their intentions as well as the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to public individuals in Saudi Arabia between 25 December 2020 and 15 February 2021. Participants were asked if they were willing to get vaccinated, and the responses, along with demographic data were entered into a multinomial logistic regression model to assess the relative risk ratio (RRR) for responding “no” or “unsure” versus “yes”. Among 3048 participants (60.1% female, 89.5% Saudi), 52.9% intend to get vaccinated, 26.8% were unsure, and 20.3% refused vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy was significantly higher among females (RRR = 2.70, p < 0.0001) and those who had not been recently vaccinated for influenza (RRR = 2.63, p < 0.0001). The likelihood was lower among Saudis (RRR = 0.49, p < 0.0001), those with less than a secondary education (RRR = 0.16, p < 0.0001), perceived risks of COVID-19, and residents of the southern region (RRR = 0.46, p < 0.0001). The most often cited reasons for hesitancy were short clinical testing periods and concerns about adverse events or effectiveness. Vaccine hesitancy is mediated by many demographic factors and personal beliefs. To address vaccine-related concerns and amend deeply rooted health beliefs, communication should provide transparent information.

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Understanding vaccine hesitancy: the evidence

Practice Nursing ◽

10.12968/pnur.2021.32.7.282 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 32 (7) ◽

pp. 282-287

Author(s):

Alison While

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Public Health Intervention ◽

Health Intervention ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Important Public Health ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

The Uk

Vaccine hesitancy is a concern both globally and within the UK. Alison While reviews the evidence relating to vaccine hesitancy, its underlying factors and the sociodemographic variations Vaccination is an important public health intervention, but its effectiveness depends upon the uptake of vaccination reaching sufficient levels to yield ‘herd’ immunity. While the majority of the UK hold positive attitudes about vaccination, some people, including health professionals, decline vaccinations. This article reviews the evidence relating to vaccine hesitancy, its underlying factors and the sociodemographic variations.

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Survey of general practitioners' attitudes towards psychiatry

The Psychiatrist ◽

10.1192/pb.bp.109.027896 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 34 (12) ◽

pp. 525-528 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Catherine Thompson ◽

Nisha Dogra ◽

Robert McKinley

Keyword(s):

General Practitioners ◽

Role Models ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Current Data ◽

Undergraduate Teaching ◽

Individual Response ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

The Mean ◽

Teaching Psychiatry

Aims and methodThere is a lack of current data regarding attitudes of doctors towards psychiatry. General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly involved in teaching psychiatry, and their attitudes towards psychiatry may affect their ability to promote psychiatry. The main aim of the study is to inform on current attitudes of GPs towards psychiatry as a discipline. The Attitudes Towards Psychiatry (ATP-30) questionnaire was administered to all GPs within Shropshire.ResultsThe response rate was 61% (n = 145 from N = 239). The mean score for the ATP-30 was 113.9. An association was found between GP trainer status and higher ATP-30 scores. Positive associations were found between demographic data (age, length of career, postgraduate experience of psychiatry, involvement in undergraduate teaching, GP trainer status) and individual response items on the ATP-30 scale.Clinical implicationsGeneral practitioners in Shropshire have a positive attitude towards psychiatry. Associations between demographic data and ATP-30 scores indicate that GPs with more experience of psychiatry and those involved in training may have more positive attitudes. The main limitation of the study is the lack of proven validity of the scale for use in this population. The positive attitude towards psychiatry is consistent with GPs providing the role models needed if they are to be involved to a greater degree with teaching and promoting psychiatry as a career. The need for the development of a more specific tool or an update to the existing tool is discussed.

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COVID-19 KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES BETWEEN PAKISTANI MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS

Journal of University Medical & Dental College ◽

10.37723/jumdc.v12i3.641 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 169-176

Author(s):

Bushra Suhail ◽

Ayesha Masood ◽

Javaria Baig ◽

Sara Mukhtar ◽

Sarah Aftab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Conceptual Knowledge ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Age Group ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Contagious Nature ◽

Positive Attitudes

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: This study investigated medical and non-medical students’ knowledge, attitude, and preparedness regarding COVID-19 pandemic, to groom volunteers and future healthcare providers in a better way. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was completed from April to May 2020 during the first wave of COVID-19. An online questionnaire was distributed using internet and social media (SM). The questionnaire was composed of several parts concerning to demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practices. RESULTS: This study included 1851 students [1041(56.54% medical, 810(43.46%) non-medical students)]. Medical students had significantly better knowledge about the contagious nature, spread and treatment of coronavirus. Non-medical students showed more risky behavior compared to medical students (p = 0.005). The use of masks and the frequency of handwashing was better among medical students as compared to non-medical students (p< 0.001; p< 0.014, respectively). The odds ratio indicates that students of the age group 21-25 years (45%) and medical students (75%) were more likely to have a positive attitude. CONCLUSION: This study revealed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices towards COVID-19 among medical students. Still, a minority of participants from both groups revealed misconceptions and relatively poor conceptual knowledge regarding the disease.

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From Syphilis to Autism, How the Anti-Vaccination Movement of Today is an Echo of the Past

McGill Journal of Medicine ◽

10.26443/mjm.v19i1.770 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kayleigh Beaveridge

Keyword(s):

Personal Narratives ◽

World Health ◽

Statistical Characteristics ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

The World ◽

The One ◽

Health Organization ◽

The 19Th Century

Introduction: The anti-vaccination movement has led to decreased vaccination rates and increased vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases in the general population. In order to better understand the anti-vaccination movement of today, the anti-vaccination movement that emerged in the 19th century is examined and measured against the one observed in the 20th century. Discussion: Though the population of the 19th and 20th centuries differ in many regards and our knowledge of vaccine and immune mechanisms are far greater; the anti-vaccination movement seen today stands on the same pillars as that of the 1800s with the sentiment of fear at its core. Though the façade of these pillars has been altered to suit the world today, both movements exploited the influence of prominent public figures, maintained false associations with dire vaccine consequences and emphasized these through the use of visual media, repetition and personal narratives. The persistence of the anti-vaccination movement lies largely in the use of personal stories which are more impactful and memorable then the statistical characteristics of scientific study. Conclusion: The pro-vaccination movement must respond to the tactics used by the anti-vaccination movement and create accessible, understandable and equally impactful communication strategies in order to prevent the spread of misinformation and counter the efforts of the current anti-vaccination movement. Relevance: Vaccine hesitancy was listed amongst the top 10 global health threats in 2019 by the World Health Organization. In order to shift the negative rhetoric surrounding vaccines, the anti-vaccination movement of today and its historic roots need to be understood.

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Vaccine hesitancy in India-the challenges: a review

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20204768 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. 4643

Author(s):

Gopalakrishnan S. ◽

Sujitha P.

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Evaluation Studies ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Universal Immunization Program ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Immunization Programme ◽

Childhood Morbidity ◽

National Immunization Programme ◽

Urban Rural

Immunization is the most cost-effective scientific method of reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. In India the national immunization programme has not been able to attain complete coverage of the eligible children and hence mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases is approximately 5 lakhs annually. Every year, 89 lakhs children are at risk to develop vaccine preventable diseases due to lack of immunization. While most people vaccinate according to the recommended schedule, this success is challenged by individuals and groups who delay, hesitant or refuse vaccines due to various reasons. Despite the realization of compulsory scheduling of vaccines, there are an alarming number of parents who do not permit the vaccination of their children as scheduled. Vaccine hesitancy refers to a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. WHO in 2019 listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the ten global health threats. The recent vaccination coverage evaluation studies have shown that there is a perceptible drop in the vaccine coverage in most parts of India and also that the disparity in the urban-rural coverage is also widening. Hence an evaluation of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy is vital at present to strengthen the universal immunization program. The authors are trying to trace the present status and reasons for vaccine hesitancy reported in recent times, which can lead to outbreaks of already controlled vaccine preventable diseases and to identify strategies which are being implemented to overcome the vaccine hesitancy.

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Knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19: a cross-sectional study among nursing and midwifery students in Jalingo, Nigeria

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20210791 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 1122

Author(s):

Hope Inegbenosun ◽

Clement Chinedu Azodo ◽

John Chukudi Anionye ◽

Collins Usunobun Inegbenosun ◽

Obinna Chukwunwike Njoku

Keyword(s):

Health Workers ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Running Water ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Level Of Knowledge

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection rate and mortality among Nigerian health care workers appear to be on the increase. Aside from health workers, it has caused millions of infections and deaths worldwide. This study determined the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of nursing and midwifery students towards COVID-19 in a North-Eastern Nigerian state.Methods: A total of 156 respondents were involved in this institutional-based cross-sectional study, conducted after the lockdown period. A total of 17 questions were used to assess the KAP with knowledge appraised with 12 questions, attitudes with 2 questions, and practices with 3 questions.Results: The majority of the students (53.80%) possessed a good level of knowledge regarding COVID-19, while 40.4% had fair knowledge regarding COVID-19 with only 5.80% having poor knowledge of COVID-19. The mean knowledge of COVID-19 in this study was 9.40±1.353 with an overall 78% correct answer rate. A vast majority of the respondent (82.7% and 98.1%) had strong confidence in Nigeria and believed that the pandemic will soon be over, respectively. Only a few avoided large gatherings of people (30.8%) with the vast majority reporting to have worn a mask when going out (84.6%) and washing their hands with running water and soap frequently as recommended (73.1%). In multiple logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score (OR: 0.39-0.40, 95%CI: 0.26 – 0.62, P<0.05) was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of negative preventive practices towards COVID-19.Conclusions: The participants in this study showed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices toward COVID-19. There is still a need to strategize and implement periodic educational interventions and training on infection control practices among healthcare workers including students.

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