Vaccines

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18 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Beliefs in Anti-Vax Conspiracy Theories among Medical Students

by Jan Domaradzki, Piotr Jabkowski and Dariusz Walkowiak

Vaccines 2024, 12(4), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12040359 - 27 Mar 2024

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While the doctors’ role in immunization is essential, their lack of knowledge or vaccine hesitancy may affect their ability to communicate effectively and educate patients about vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine conspiracy theories. This, in turn, may hinder health policy aimed at fighting [...] Read more.

While the doctors’ role in immunization is essential, their lack of knowledge or vaccine hesitancy may affect their ability to communicate effectively and educate patients about vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine conspiracy theories. This, in turn, may hinder health policy aimed at fighting infectious diseases. Vaccine hesitancy is prevalent not only among the general population but also among healthcare workers; thus, this study is aimed at assessing future doctors’ attitudes towards anti-vax conspiracy theories. A total of 441 medical students at Poznan University of Medical Sciences completed a web-based survey designed to explore their attitudes toward the six most prevalent anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. The survey showed that although over 97% of future doctors support vaccinations as an effective form of fighting infectious diseases, and 80% did not believe in any anti-vax conspiracy theory, a significant fraction of 20% of medical students either believed in at least one such theory or were unsure. It has also shown that male and younger students who had not received a flu vaccination and defined themselves as politically right-wing or conservative and religious were more likely to believe in anti-vax conspiracy theories. Our data suggest that, in order to overcome medical students’ ambivalent attitudes towards anti-vax conspiracy theories, they should receive more education about the importance of vaccination in preventing disease and about effective ways to combat vaccine hesitancy and anti-vax conspiracy theories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy)

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20 pages, 1438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Theoretical Frameworks to Detect Correlates of HPV Vaccination in the Midwest, US, Using Structural Equation Modeling

by Abraham Degarege, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Kristyne Mansilla, Rahel M. Sileshi and Edward S. Peters

Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121856 - 15 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Knowledge of a valid, well-designed, and targeted theory-based framework helps better characterize reasons for HPV vaccine hesitancy and identify promising approaches to increase vaccination rates for eligible individuals. This study evaluated health theories in explaining factors affecting HPV vaccination and used a theoretical [...] Read more.

Knowledge of a valid, well-designed, and targeted theory-based framework helps better characterize reasons for HPV vaccine hesitancy and identify promising approaches to increase vaccination rates for eligible individuals. This study evaluated health theories in explaining factors affecting HPV vaccination and used a theoretical framework to identify direct and indirect predictors and mediators of HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional survey regarding HPV vaccine uptake and related factors was conducted among 1306 teenagers and young adults in the Midwest, US, in March and April 2023. Structural equation modeling confirmed fit of the framework based on the Integrated Health Theory (IHT) to the HPV vaccine data (Comparative Fit Index = 0.93; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.92; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.053). While willingness to uptake the HPV vaccine directly predicted increased uptake (p < 0.001), perceived benefits (p < 0.001) and barriers (p < 0.023) about the vaccine indirectly predicted increased and decreased uptake, respectively. In turn, beliefs about susceptibility (p = 0.005) and severity (p < 0.001) of HPV infection and associated cancers and barriers to vaccination in general (p < 0.001) indirectly predicted willingness to uptake the vaccine. In conclusion, IHT can be appropriate in examining predictors of HPV vaccine uptake in teenagers and young adults in the US, particularly in the Midwest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy)

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12 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Mental Health Literacy as a Key Predictor of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance among American Indian/Alaska Native/Native American People

by Xuewei Chen, Carrie Winterowd, Ming Li and Gary L. Kreps

Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121793 - 30 Nov 2023

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Abstract

Background: This study examines how health literacy and mental health literacy associate with the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination among American Indian/Alaska Native/Native American (AI/AN) people. Methods: The data were collected with an online Qualtrics survey in February 2021 (n = [...] Read more.

Background: This study examines how health literacy and mental health literacy associate with the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination among American Indian/Alaska Native/Native American (AI/AN) people. Methods: The data were collected with an online Qualtrics survey in February 2021 (n = 563). A purposive snowball sampling strategy was used by sending recruitment flyers to colleagues and organizations who work with AI/AN communities to share with appropriate potential respondents. We performed linear regression analyses examining the relationships between the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, education, health literacy, mental health literacy, self-rated physical and mental health status, worry about getting COVID-19, perceived COVID-19 susceptibility, and perceived COVID-19 severity. Results: Mental health literacy and health literacy predicted 30.90% and 4.65% of the variance (R²_adjusted) in the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. After holding the self-rated physical/mental health status, worry about getting COVID-19, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, health literacy, and socio-demographics constant, mental health literacy was still a strong predictor (b = 0.03, p < 0.001) for the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (model R²_adjusted = 40.14%). Conclusions: We identified mental health literacy as a substantial factor associated with the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination among AI/AN respondents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy)

0 pages, 613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Awareness as a Key Determinant of Early Vaccine Uptake in the Mpox Vaccination Campaign in an Italian Region: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

by Giulia Del Duca, Alessandro Tavelli, Ilaria Mastrorosa, Camilla Aguglia, Simone Lanini, Anna Clelia Brita, Roberta Gagliardini, Serena Vita, Alessandra Vergori, Jessica Paulicelli, Giorgia Natalini, Angela D’Urso, Pierluca Piselli, Paola Gallì, Vanessa Mondillo, Claudio Mastroianni, Enrica Tamburrini, Loredana Sarmati, Christof Stingone, Miriam Lichtner, Emanuele Nicastri, Massimo Farinella, Filippo Leserri, Andrea Siddu, Fabrizio Maggi, Antonella d’Arminio Monforte, Francesco Vairo, Alessandra Barca, Francesco Vaia, Enrico Girardi, Valentina Mazzotta and Andrea Antinori Show full author list Hide full author list

Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1761; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121761 - 27 Nov 2023

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Abstract

Background: we aim to investigate attitudes toward vaccination by analyzing empirical factors associated with vaccine acceptance in the Lazio region mpox vaccination (MpoxVax) campaign in Italy. Methods: all subjects who accessed MpoxVax and signed the informed consent were prospectively enrolled in the MPOX-VAC [...] Read more.

Background: we aim to investigate attitudes toward vaccination by analyzing empirical factors associated with vaccine acceptance in the Lazio region mpox vaccination (MpoxVax) campaign in Italy. Methods: all subjects who accessed MpoxVax and signed the informed consent were prospectively enrolled in the MPOX-VAC Study and were asked to fill out an anonymous survey. Two endpoints were selected: ‘delayed acceptance’ and ‘early acceptance’, defined as access for vaccination >60 and ≤30 days from the vaccination campaign starting (VCS), respectively. Results: over the study period, 1717 individuals underwent vaccination: 129 (7%) > 60 [1588 (92.5%) ≤ 60] and 676 (60%) ≤ 30 days from VCS. A bisexual orientation, a lower education level and a worse perceived physical and mental health were associated with delayed access to vaccination. Being pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users and, marginally, HIV positive; having a high perceived risk for mpox infection; and reporting high-risk behaviors like the use of recreational drugs/chems, sex under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and having a higher number of principal sexual partners, were associated with early access to vaccination. Conclusions: according to our data, risk awareness was a major determinant of early MpoxVax acceptance. Conversely, worse perceived health status and a low educational level were critical factors associated with delayed vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy)

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18 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, Intentions and Vaccine Hesitancy among Postpartum Mothers in a Region from the Northwest of Romania

by Camelia Florina Iova, Dana Badau, Mădălina Diana Daina, Corina Lacramioara Șuteu and Lucia Georgeta Daina

Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121736 - 21 Nov 2023

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Abstract

This study aims to identify the presence of vaccine hesitancy and the factors that could have determined it in a group of mothers in the postpartum period, with an evaluation of both the level of knowledge and information, as well as the attitudes, [...] Read more.

This study aims to identify the presence of vaccine hesitancy and the factors that could have determined it in a group of mothers in the postpartum period, with an evaluation of both the level of knowledge and information, as well as the attitudes, perceptions, intentions and sources of information about vaccination. The study was based on a survey—Vaccine Hesitancy Identification Survey—applied in two maternity wards from Bihor County and structured into six subscales (34 items). Based on the answers to the key questions (“Which of the following statements best describes your plans for vaccinating your child?”—item 1 of subscale 4; “Overall, how hesitant do you consider yourself to be about vaccinating your child?”—item 4 of subscale 4), we identified two groups: the group of mothers without hesitant behavior (non-hesitant), called the group pro vaccine (GPV), and the group of mothers with hesitant behavior, called the group non vaccine (GNV). Vaccine hesitancy was identified in our study in 47.28% of the participants (191 of the 404 mothers included). Most of them come from an urban environment (57.59%), have university and post-secondary education (58.64%) and are prim parous (58.64%). The behavior of participants from GNV is influenced by a low level of knowledge and information regarding vaccination and by concerns related to adverse reactions, new vaccines and the number of vaccines administered. Also, this group is characterized by an increased perception of the risks related to vaccination, while the perception of the risks associated with the disease is low. For all subscales, important differences were registered between the two groups in favor of GPV, a group characterized by positive attitudes and perceptions and a better level of knowledge compared to GNV. This study aims to represent a starting point for the organization and running of information campaigns regarding vaccination at the level of Bihor County, especially in areas with low vaccination coverage, where this behavior is identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy)

13 pages, 771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“It Doesn’t Cure, but It Protects”: COVID-19 Vaccines through the Eyes of Children and Their Parents

by Candice Groenewald, Dane Isaacs and Mafanato Maluleka

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081305 - 31 Jul 2023

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Abstract

Recently, studies have examined COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and/or hesitancy amongst adult populations across the globe. However, there is a paucity of literature illustrating children’s voices in vaccination debates. This article draws on qualitative data collected via a mixed-methods study that explored South Africans’ [...] Read more.

Recently, studies have examined COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and/or hesitancy amongst adult populations across the globe. However, there is a paucity of literature illustrating children’s voices in vaccination debates. This article draws on qualitative data collected via a mixed-methods study that explored South Africans’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021. Interviews were conducted with a purposive sample (N = 29) of children (>18 years) and their parents regarding their initial perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines. Given the dyadic nature of our study, we explored the intergenerational influence that parents’ perspectives had on children’s vaccine acceptability and the role that vaccine literacy, or lack thereof, played in vaccine decision making. Findings showed a great level of vaccine acceptability among children and parents, where many placed hopes in the vaccines to promote societal health and wellbeing. Intergenerational transfer of perspectives was observed where children’s willingness to receive a vaccine was intrinsically linked to their parents’ vaccine acceptability. Some participants also expressed concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, related to misinformation, mistrust, and limited vaccine literacy. We discuss the findings as they relate to vaccine and health literacy, also considering the prospective implications of this work as we enter the “recovery” period of the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy)

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13 pages, 801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Moderating Effect of Vaccine Hesitancy on the Relationship between the COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Index and Vaccine Coverage

by Annalise Julia Tolley, Victoria C. Scott, Mary Louise Mitsdarffer and Jonathan P. Scaccia

Vaccines 2023, 11(7), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11071231 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1444

Abstract

To examine COVID-19 vaccination barriers in the US, this study drew on publicly available county-level data (n = 3130) to investigate the impact of vaccine hesitancy on the relationship between county-level social/structural barriers and vaccine coverage. A hierarchical regression was performed to establish [...] Read more.

To examine COVID-19 vaccination barriers in the US, this study drew on publicly available county-level data (n = 3130) to investigate the impact of vaccine hesitancy on the relationship between county-level social/structural barriers and vaccine coverage. A hierarchical regression was performed to establish the relationship between the COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Index (CVAC) and vaccine coverage, assess the moderating effect of vaccine hesitancy on this relationship, and explore the influence of ethno-racial composition on vaccine coverage. A significant, negative relationship (r² = 0.11, f² = 0.12) between CVAC and vaccine coverage by county was established (step 1). When vaccine hesitancy was introduced as a moderator (step 2), the model significantly explained additional variance in vaccine coverage (r² = 0.21, f² = 0.27). Simple slopes analysis indicated a significant interaction effect, whereby the CVAC–vaccine coverage relationship was stronger in low hesitancy counties as compared with high hesitancy counties. Counties with low social/structural barriers (CVAC) but high hesitancy were projected to have 14% lower vaccine coverage. When county-level ethno-racial composition was introduced (step 3), higher proportions of white residents in a county predicted decreased vaccination rates (p < 0.05). Findings indicate that CVAC should be paired with vaccine hesitancy measures to better predict vaccine uptake. Moreover, counties with higher proportions of white residents led to decreases in vaccine uptake, suggesting that future intervention strategies should also target whites to reach herd immunity. We conclude that public health leaders and practitioners should address both social/structural and psychological barriers to vaccination to maximize vaccine coverage, with a particular focus on vaccine hesitancy in communities with minimal social/structural barriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy)

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17 pages, 2268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Case Study Analysis: Applying the HIPE Framework to Combat Harmful Health Information and Drive COVID-19 Vaccine Adoption in Underserved Communities

by Linda Desens, Brandon Walling, Anna Fiedor, Vanessa Howard, Zue Lopez Diaz, Katherine Kim and Denise Scannell

Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061107 - 16 Jun 2023

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Abstract

This descriptive, observational paper utilizes the comparative case study approach to analyze the application of the HIPE™ Framework to two health campaigns addressing vaccine hesitancy in underserved communities. Exposure to inaccurate/misleading health information impacts vaccination adoption, especially for individuals with low health/digital literacy. [...] Read more.

This descriptive, observational paper utilizes the comparative case study approach to analyze the application of the HIPE™ Framework to two health campaigns addressing vaccine hesitancy in underserved communities. Exposure to inaccurate/misleading health information impacts vaccination adoption, especially for individuals with low health/digital literacy. Underserved groups—like minority, racial/ethnic, or rural populations—typically have lower literacy and higher rates of vaccine hesitancy. Grounded in persuasion and behavioral change theory, the Health Information Persuasion Exploration (HIPE™) Framework was applied to the Black/Haitian community in Miami-Dade, Florida and the Migrant Agricultural Worker Community in Central Valley, California. The campaigns addressed each community’s unique characteristics via Detect, Analyze, Design, and Evaluate phases of the HIPE framework. Both campaigns achieved their respective vaccine uptake goals. For Miami-Dade, over 850 vaccinations were administered (the goal was 800 vaccinations), and vaccination rates increased by 25.22%. In Central Valley, vaccination rates for 5–11-year-old children in Merced and Stanislaus counties increased about 20% and 14%, respectively, and overall vaccination rates increased compared to surrounding counties. Discussion of the results and recommendations for future research highlight the potential efficacy of applying the HIPE™ Framework for developing health campaigns and response strategies to improve health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy)

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