1
|
Ann S, Baumann O. Psychological mechanisms and interventions directed at vaccination attitudes. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 8:1076015. [PMID: 36844879 PMCID: PMC9945221 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1076015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Attitudes about vaccination impact not only the individual but also society. Therefore, understanding the underlying psychological processes of those who disagree with vaccination is critical for creating compassion through understanding and change through promoting autonomy. The current review aimed to fill a gap in the literature, outlining the state of the recent research on vaccination attitudes, specifically on the underlying mechanisms driving anti-vaccination movements and individuals' thoughts and behaviors. In addition, we aimed to evaluate current research on the effectiveness of interventions targeting these mechanisms. Overall, results indicated that those declining vaccines had beliefs related to distrust in the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies and moral preferences for purity and liberty. In addition, our review identified the potential for utilizing motivational interviewing techniques as an intervention. This literature review provides a platform for further research and enhances the current understanding of vaccination attitudes.
Collapse
|
2
|
Ngai CSB, Singh RG, Yao L. Impact of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on virality on social media: Content analysis of message themes and writing strategies. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37806. [PMID: 35731969 PMCID: PMC9301555 DOI: 10.2196/37806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccines serve an integral role in containing pandemics, yet vaccine hesitancy is prevalent globally. One key reason for this hesitancy is the pervasiveness of misinformation on social media. Although considerable research attention has been drawn to how exposure to misinformation is closely associated with vaccine hesitancy, little scholarly attention has been given to the investigation or robust theorizing of the various content themes pertaining to antivaccine misinformation about COVID-19 and the writing strategies in which these content themes are manifested. Virality of such content on social media exhibited in the form of comments, shares, and reactions has practical implications for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Objective We investigated whether there were differences in the content themes and writing strategies used to disseminate antivaccine misinformation about COVID-19 and their impact on virality on social media. Methods We constructed an antivaccine misinformation database from major social media platforms during September 2019-August 2021 to examine how misinformation exhibited in the form of content themes and how these themes manifested in writing were associated with virality in terms of likes, comments, and shares. Antivaccine misinformation was retrieved from two globally leading and widely cited fake news databases, COVID Global Misinformation Dashboard and International Fact-Checking Network Corona Virus Facts Alliance Database, which aim to track and debunk COVID-19 misinformation. We primarily focused on 140 Facebook posts, since most antivaccine misinformation posts on COVID-19 were found on Facebook. We then employed quantitative content analysis to examine the content themes (ie, safety concerns, conspiracy theories, efficacy concerns) and manifestation strategies of misinformation (ie, mimicking of news and scientific reports in terms of the format and language features, use of a conversational style, use of amplification) in these posts and their association with virality of misinformation in the form of likes, comments, and shares. Results Our study revealed that safety concern was the most prominent content theme and a negative predictor of likes and shares. Regarding the writing strategies manifested in content themes, a conversational style and mimicking of news and scientific reports via the format and language features were frequently employed in COVID-19 antivaccine misinformation, with the latter being a positive predictor of likes. Conclusions This study contributes to a richer research-informed understanding of which concerns about content theme and manifestation strategy need to be countered on antivaccine misinformation circulating on social media so that accurate information on COVID-19 vaccines can be disseminated to the public, ultimately reducing vaccine hesitancy. The liking of COVID-19 antivaccine posts that employ language features to mimic news or scientific reports is perturbing since a large audience can be reached on social media, potentially exacerbating the spread of misinformation and hampering global efforts to combat the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Sing Bik Ngai
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University, AG520b, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, HK
| | | | - Le Yao
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, HK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Okuhara T, Ishikawa H, Ueno H, Okada H, Kato M, Kiuchi T. Readability assessment of vaccine information: A systematic review for addressing vaccine hesitancy. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:331-338. [PMID: 34090717 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaccine hesitancy is a problem attracting growing attention and concern. Communication can be an effective tool to counteract vaccine hesitancy and promote optimal vaccine uptake. Readability has been recognized as one of the more important aspects of health communication for achieving good health literacy. We reviewed studies of readability assessment in the area of vaccine communication. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search in September 2020, using four online databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycArticles, and PsycINFO). We included studies that assessed the readability level of online and offline vaccine information materials. RESULTS We found 12 articles that were appropriate for inclusion. Ten of the studies were published after 2016. The readability levels of the majority of the materials assessed were found to be difficult and higher than 8th-grade level. CONCLUSION Readability assessments of vaccine information are scarce. The limited evidence shows that the readability level of vaccine information supplied by health care providers is more difficult to read than recommended. More studies on the readability of vaccine information are recommended. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Difficulty reading vaccine information may influence attitudes toward acceptance of or hesitancy to take vaccines. It is recommended that health care professionals use guidelines and tools to create easy-to-read vaccine information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Okuhara
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Hirono Ishikawa
- School of Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Haruka Ueno
- Department of Health and Dietetics, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Teikyo Heisei University, 2-5-4, Higashi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-8445, Japan
| | - Hiroko Okada
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mio Kato
- School of Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kiuchi
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Okuhara T, Okada H, Goto E, Kiuchi T. Urgent need for writing education in schools of medicine and public health to address vaccine hesitancy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 12:166-168. [PMID: 34581685 PMCID: PMC8994646 DOI: 10.5116/ijme.612d.ed97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Okuhara
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Okada
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiko Goto
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kiuchi
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Readability Assessment of HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Information: A Systematic Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9101246. [PMID: 34682926 PMCID: PMC8535382 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to provide information on HPV vaccination and on early detection and early treatment for cervical cancer. Readability is a key aspect in the success of cancer communication using written health information. We reviewed studies assessing the readability of information on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer. We conducted a systematic literature search in June 2021 using four online databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycArticles, and PsycINFO). Studies that assessed the readability level of online and offline information regarding HPV vaccination and cervical cancer were included in the review. Twelve articles were deemed fit for study inclusion. Our results showed that most of the materials assessed were difficult to read and higher than eighth-grade reading level. Few of the materials assessed were at the recommended grade 5-6 level or below. Readability assessments of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer information are scarce. Additional studies on the readability of information regarding HPV vaccination and cervical cancer are recommended. Health professionals should develop health information on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer that is easy to read.
Collapse
|
6
|
Okuhara T, Ishikawa H, Ueno H, Okada H, Kato M, Kiuchi T. Influence of high versus low readability level of written health information on self-efficacy: A randomized controlled study of the processing fluency effect. Health Psychol Open 2020; 7:2055102920905627. [PMID: 32110424 PMCID: PMC7016314 DOI: 10.1177/2055102920905627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the relationship of processing fluency of written information
about exercise to participants’ perceived interest, safety, self-efficacy,
outcome expectation, and behavioral intention regarding the exercise. We
randomly assigned 400 men and women aged 40–69 years to control or intervention
conditions. Perceived self-efficacy of performing the exercise in the
intervention group (i.e. easy to read) was significantly higher than that in the
control group (i.e. difficult to read) (p = 0.04). Easy-to-read
written health information may be important not only for making written health
information comprehensible but also for increasing readers’ self-efficacy for
adopting health-related behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Okuhara
- The University of Tokyo, Japan
- Tsuyoshi Okuhara, Department of Health
Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo,
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Basch CH, Fera J, Garcia P. Readability of influenza information online: Implications for consumer health. Am J Infect Control 2019; 47:1298-1301. [PMID: 31253552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.04.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza (flu) is pervasive and burdensome. The purpose of this study was to determine the readability levels of online articles related to flu. METHODS Using the search term "influenza," the URL's of the first 100 English language Web sites were vetted for content to ascertain that the article met inclusion criteria. Five recommended readability tests were conducted using an online service to calculate readability. Overall, the analysis indicates that flu material found on the web is not being written at a level that is widely readable. RESULTS None of the 100 sites included in the analysis received an acceptable score on all 5 assessments. One-sample independent t tests (α = 0.05, df = 99) indicated that it is highly unlikely that flu Web sites are being written at the desirable level. Of the 100 sampled sites, 33 had a .com, 29 had a .org, and 22 had a .gov extension. Extension type did not play a role in readability level of these sites. CONCLUSIONS When creating content for the masses, health professionals should maximize their efforts by testing the readability as well as other factors that influence the likelihood that it will be understood.
Collapse
|
8
|
Okuhara T, Ishikawa H, Okada M, Kato M, Kiuchi T. Japanese anti- versus pro-influenza vaccination websites: a text-mining analysis. Health Promot Int 2019; 34:552-566. [PMID: 29584863 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/day015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-vaccination sentiment exists worldwide and Japan is no exception. Health professionals publish pro-influenza vaccination messages online to encourage proactive seeking of influenza vaccination. However, influenza vaccine coverage among the Japanese population is less than optimal. The contents of pro- and anti-influenza vaccination websites may contribute to readers' acceptance of one or the other position. We aimed to use a text-mining method to examine frequently appearing content on websites for and against influenza vaccination. We conducted online searches in January 2017 using two major Japanese search engines (Google Japan and Yahoo! Japan). Targeted websites were classified as 'pro', 'anti' or 'neutral' depending on their claims, with author(s) classified as 'health professionals', 'mass media' or 'laypersons'. Text-mining analysis was conducted, and statistical analysis was performed using a chi-squared test. Of the 334 websites analyzed, 13 content topics were identified. The three most frequently appearing content topics on pro-vaccination websites were vaccination effect for preventing serious cases of influenza, side effects of vaccination, and efficacy rate of vaccination. The three most frequent topics on anti-vaccination websites were ineffectiveness of influenza vaccination, toxicity of vaccination, and side effects of vaccination. The main disseminators of each topic, by author classification, were also revealed. We discuss possible tactics of online influenza vaccination promotion to counter anti-vaccination websites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Okuhara
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hirono Ishikawa
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masafumi Okada
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mio Kato
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kiuchi
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Okuhara T, Ishikawa H, Kato M, Okada M, Kiuchi T. A qualitative analysis of the beliefs of Japanese anti-influenza vaccination website authors. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00609. [PMID: 29862370 PMCID: PMC5968169 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza vaccine coverage among the Japanese population is less than optimal. Anti-vaccination sentiment exists worldwide, and Japan is no exception. Anti-influenza vaccination activists argue on the internet that influenza vaccine has little or no efficacy and a high risk of side effects, and they warn that people should forgo vaccination. We conducted a qualitative analysis to explore beliefs underlying the messages of anti-influenza vaccination websites, by focusing on the perceived value these beliefs provide to those who hold them. Methods We conducted online searches in January 2017 using two major Japanese search engines (Google Japan and Yahoo! Japan). Targeted websites were classified as “pro”, “anti”, or “neutral” depending on their claims. We applied a dual analytic approach—inductive thematic analysis and deductive interpretative analysis—to textual data of the anti websites. Results Of the 113 anti websites, we identified two themes that correspond to beliefs: it is necessary to 1) protect others against risks and exploitation related to influenza vaccination, and 2) educate others about hidden truths and self-determination. Authors of anti websites ascribed two values (people's “safety” and one's own “self-esteem”) to their beliefs. Discussion Website authors may engage in anti-vaccination activities because they want to feel they are virtuous, saving people from harm caused by vaccination, and to boost their self-esteem, thinking “I am enlightening uninformed people.” The anti-vaccination beliefs of website authors were considered to be strong. In promoting vaccination, it would be better not to target outright vaccine refusers, such as the authors of anti-vaccination websites; it is preferable to target vaccine-hesitant people who are more amenable to changing their attitudes toward vaccination. We discuss possible means of promoting vaccination in that target population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Okuhara
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hirono Ishikawa
- School of Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Mio Kato
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masafumi Okada
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kiuchi
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Panatto D, Amicizia D, Arata L, Lai PL, Gasparini R. A comprehensive analysis of Italian web pages mentioning squalene-based influenza vaccine adjuvants reveals a high prevalence of misinformation. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 14:969-977. [PMID: 29172967 PMCID: PMC5893210 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1407483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Squalene-based adjuvants have been included in influenza vaccines since 1997. Despite several advantages of adjuvanted seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines, laypeople's perception of such formulations may be hesitant or even negative under certain circumstances. Moreover, in Italian, the term “squalene” has the same root as such common words as “shark” (squalo), “squalid” and “squalidness” that tend to have negative connotations. This study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze a representative sample of Italian web pages mentioning squalene-based adjuvants used in influenza vaccines. Every effort was made to limit the subjectivity of judgments. Eighty-four unique web pages were assessed. A high prevalence (47.6%) of pages with negative or ambiguous attitudes toward squalene-based adjuvants was established. Compared with web pages reporting balanced information on squalene-based adjuvants, those categorized as negative/ambiguous had significantly lower odds of belonging to a professional institution [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.12, p = .004], and significantly higher odds of containing pictures (aOR = 1.91, p = .034) and being more readable (aOR = 1.34, p = .006). Some differences in wording between positive/neutral and negative/ambiguous web pages were also observed. The most common scientifically unsound claims concerned safety issues and, in particular, claims linking squalene-based adjuvants to the Gulf War Syndrome and autoimmune disorders. Italian users searching the web for information on vaccine adjuvants have a high likelihood of finding unbalanced and misleading material. Information provided by institutional websites should be not only evidence-based but also carefully targeted towards laypeople. Conversely, authors writing for non-institutional websites should avoid sensationalism and provide their readers with more balanced information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Panatto
- a Department of Health Sciences , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy.,b Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Daniela Amicizia
- a Department of Health Sciences , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy.,b Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Lucia Arata
- a Department of Health Sciences , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Piero Luigi Lai
- a Department of Health Sciences , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy.,b Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Roberto Gasparini
- a Department of Health Sciences , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy.,b Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| |
Collapse
|