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Miao Y, Zhang J, Shen Z, Li Y, Zhang W, Bai J, Zhu D, Ren R, Guo D, Tarimo CS, Dong W, Zhao Q, Hu J, Li M, Liu R. Impacts of travel duration on urban-rural resident free vaccination behavior: Chinese COVID-19 vaccine booster dose evidence. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2352914. [PMID: 38845401 PMCID: PMC11164221 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2352914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate how the duration of travel affects the behavior of urban and rural residents regarding free COVID-19 vaccination, and provide scientific evidence for promoting free vaccination and building an immune barrier to cope with future epidemics. From August 3, 2022 to February,18,2023, A follow-up survey was conducted in urban and rural adults in four cities in China to collect information on socio-demographic factors, vaccination status and travel time for vaccination. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was deployed to measure the net difference of the enhanced vaccination rate between urban and rural residents in different traffic time distribution. A total of 5780 samples were included in the study. The vaccination rate of the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine among rural residents was higher than that of urban residents with a significant P-value (69.36% VS 64.49%,p < .001). The traffic time had a significant negative impact on the COVID-19 booster vaccination behavior of urban and rural residents. There was a significant interaction between the travel time to the vaccination point and the level of trust in doctors. Travel time had a negative impact on the free vaccination behavior of both urban and rural residents. The government should optimize and expand the number of vaccination sites and enhance residents' trust in the medical system. This is crucial for promoting free vaccination and effective epidemic management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Miao
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jingbao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhanlei Shen
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wanliang Zhang
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Junwen Bai
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dongfang Zhu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruizhe Ren
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dan Guo
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Clifford Silver Tarimo
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Dar es salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wenyong Dong
- Department of Hypertension, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiuping Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory for Health Management of Chronic Diseases, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- Henan Medical Communication, Henan Medical Communication and Project Forward Center, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Miaojun Li
- Henan Medical Communication, Henan Medical Communication and Project Forward Center, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rongmei Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory for Health Management of Chronic Diseases, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Isiaka SD, Jimoh AU, Samuel OW, Atobatele S, Sampson S, David JC, Okoye I, Adegoke Z, Daniel V, Nto S. Exploring the perceptions and experiences of mobile teams on COVID-19 vaccine uptake at the community level: evidence from Benue and Niger states. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1996. [PMID: 39061021 PMCID: PMC11282625 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19562-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of the fight against coronavirus disease, Nigeria received nearly 4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine via the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility, marking a historic step towards equitable global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Although evidence exists on COVID-19 hesitancy in Nigeria, yet, we are unaware of any study on the optimization of COVID-19 vaccination from the lenses of the mobile teams. OBJECTIVE This study seeks to explore the perceptions and experiences of mobile teams in selected communities during the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination in Benue and Niger. METHODS An exploratory approach was adopted, and the study was conducted in Niger and Benue states based on poor performance in COVID-19 vaccination. Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) were conducted among 12 mobile vaccination teams from 12 LGAs. The recorded discussions were transcribed and coded (inductively and deductively) using Dedoose software (v9.0). Four themes and seven sub-themes were generated from the participants' responses. RESULTS Seventy-two (72) health workers including vaccinators, validators, Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) recorders, social mobilizers, and paper recorders participated in this study. Health workers' perceptions and experiences were thematized using the health building blocks. The mobilization teams in Benue and Niger states perceived that their mobilization efforts contributed to improved coverage, increased accessibility, and reduced hesitancy among the community dwellers. Challenges reported by the teams were vaccine misconceptions, requests for incentives in exchange for vaccine uptake, poor network services, distance to communities, and vaccine stockout. CONCLUSION This study concluded that social mobilizers play key roles in vaccine uptake, especially at the community level. Their roles in creating awareness, sensitization, and bringing the vaccine closer to hard-to-reach communities contributed to the success attained in the fight against COVID-19 in both states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheed Dipo Isiaka
- Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation, Sydani Group, Abuja, Nigeria.
| | | | | | - Sunday Atobatele
- Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation, Sydani Group, Abuja, Nigeria
- Sydani Group, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sunday Nto
- Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation, Sydani Group, Abuja, Nigeria
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3
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Mantina NM, Ngaybe MGB, Zeiders KH, Osman KM, Wilkinson-Lee AM, Landor AM, Hoyt LT. Latinx youth's and parents' covid-19 beliefs, vaccine hesitancy and vaccination rates: Longitudinal associations in a community sample. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307479. [PMID: 39046951 PMCID: PMC11268593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Latinx population has the second highest COVID-19 death rate among racial/ethnic groups in the United States and less than half of Latinx youth aged 5-17 years old completed their COVID-19 primary vaccination series as of September 2022. COVID-19 vaccine misinformation detrimentally impacts vaccination rates. In this study, we examined factors that predicted Latinx youth COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccination status. METHODS A community-based sample of 290 Latinx parent and adolescent dyads from a Southwestern metropolitan area of the United States who were recruited to complete an online survey at baseline at T1 (August 2020 -March 2021) and one year later. We tested a longitudinal mediation model in which we examined individual and family factors that would predict youth COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccination status over time. RESULTS Youth's pandemic disbelief (i.e., the belief that the COVID-19 pandemic is a conspiracy or not real) predicted greater youth's COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and in turn, a lower likelihood of youth's COVID-19 vaccination. Youth's pandemic disbelief also predicted greater parent's vaccination hesitancy which, in turn, predicted greater youth's vaccination hesitancy and a lower likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination. Parents' pandemic disbelief predicted their own COVID-19 hesitancy, but not youth hesitancy. DISCUSSION Our study findings provide initial evidence that general pandemic disbelief was a significant driver of vaccine hesitancy and vaccination among Latinx families. The study contributes to the limited research investigating COVID-19 vaccination in the Latinx community and among Latinx youth, further aiding how COVID-19 vaccine disparities can be mitigated among racial/ethnic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namoonga M. Mantina
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Maiya G. Block Ngaybe
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Katharine H. Zeiders
- Norton School of Human Ecology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kayla M. Osman
- Norton School of Human Ecology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ada M. Wilkinson-Lee
- Department of Mexican American Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Antoinette M. Landor
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lindsay T. Hoyt
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, New York, United States of America
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Sallam M, Kareem N, Alkurtas M. The negative impact of misinformation and vaccine conspiracy on COVID-19 vaccine uptake and attitudes among the general public in Iraq. Prev Med Rep 2024; 43:102791. [PMID: 38947232 PMCID: PMC11214192 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to infectious disease control. Previous studies showed high rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Middle East. The current study aimed to investigate the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among adult population in Iraq. Methods This self-administered survey-based study was conducted in August-September 2022. The survey instrument assessed participants' demographics, attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination, beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation, vaccine conspiracy beliefs, and sources of information regarding the vaccine. Results The study sample comprised a total of 2544 individuals, with the majority reporting the uptake of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination (n = 2226, 87.5 %). Positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination were expressed by the majority of participants (n = 1966, 77.3 %), while neutral and negative attitudes were expressed by 345 (13.6 %) and 233 (9.2 %) participants, respectively. Factors associated with positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in multivariate analysis included disbelief in COVID-19 misinformation and disagreement with vaccine conspiracies. Higher COVID-19 vaccine uptake was significantly associated with previous history of COVID-19 infection, higher income, residence outside the Capital, disbelief in COVID-19 misinformation, disagreement with vaccine conspiracies, and reliance on reputable information sources. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccine coverage was high among the participants, with a majority having positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. Disbelief in COVID-19 misinformation and disagreement with vaccine conspiracies were correlated with positive vaccine attitudes and higher vaccine uptake. These insights can inform targeted interventions to enhance vaccination campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nariman Kareem
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Alkurtas
- Department of Pathology, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
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Shen Z, Li Q, Wu J, Zhu D, Bai J, Ren R, Zhang J, Li Y, Wang M, Gu J, Li Y, Dong W, Wang H, Sun T, Yang F, Zhou X, Yang J, Tarimo CS, Ma M, Feng Y, Miao Y. Dynamic evolution of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy over 2021-2023 among Chinese population: Repeated nationwide cross-sectional study. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29800. [PMID: 39014958 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Globally, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine had been faced with a significant barrier in the form of vaccine hesitancy. This study adopts a multi-stage perspective to explore the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, focusing on their dynamic evolutionary features. Guided by the integrated framework of the 3Cs model (complacency, confidence, and convenience) and the EAH model (environmental, agent, and host), this study conducted three repeated national cross-sectional surveys. These surveys carried out from July 2021 to February 2023 across mainland China, targeted individuals aged 18 and older. They were strategically timed to coincide with three critical vaccination phases: universal coverage (stage 1), partial coverage (stage 2), and key population coverage (stage 3). From 2021 to 2023, the surveys examined sample sizes of 29 925, 6659, and 5407, respectively. The COVID-19 vaccine hesitation rates increased from 8.39% in 2021 to 29.72% in 2023. Urban residency, chronic condition, and low trust in vaccine developer contributed to significant COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy across the pandemic. Negative correlations between the intensity of vaccination policies and vaccine hesitancy, and positive correlations between vaccine hesitancy and long COVID, were confirmed. This study provides insights for designing future effective vaccination programs for emerging vaccine-preventable infectious X diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanlei Shen
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quanman Li
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dongfang Zhu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junwen Bai
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruizhe Ren
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingbao Zhang
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meiyun Wang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Jianqin Gu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinfei Li
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Wenyong Dong
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Haipeng Wang
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- College of Health Management, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Clifford Silver Tarimo
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingze Ma
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yifei Feng
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yudong Miao
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, China
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Adinugroho I, Stafford T, Bentall RP. The correlation between conspiracy mentality and vaccine intentions is moderated by social events: Evidence from longitudinal data during COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Vaccine 2024; 42:3607-3614. [PMID: 38704262 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Social events may provide important cues that influence the sense of reality, including the perception that conspiracy theories are plausible. Using longitudinal panel data collected in the UK from March 2020 to December 2021, this study aims to identify whether social events influenced the strength of the association between conspiracy mentality and vaccine intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with previous research, the conspiracy mentality was a significant predictor of vaccine intentions across three-time points, but also that conspiracy mentality measured in March 2020 predicted that participants were more hesitant to the vaccines in December 2020. The primary finding was that different social events moderated the strength of the correlation between conspiracy mentality and vaccine intentions within similar participants. Conspiracy mentality became more vital to evaluate COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020, when the vaccination program was about to commence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indro Adinugroho
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Faculty of Psychology, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Tom Stafford
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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Lan Y, Jin L. Heritage and hesitancy: how preference for traditional Chinese medicine influences vaccine attitudes. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1355720. [PMID: 38566787 PMCID: PMC10985209 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1355720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vaccine hesitancy, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, is a pressing public health challenge. This study investigates the association between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preference and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy within China. Methods The study uses data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) (N = 2,690). Logistic regressions and Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method are employed to analyzed the relationship between TCM preference and vaccine hesitancy. Results The study reaffirms prior findings by revealing a robust and stable association between TCM preference and vaccine hesitancy, which remains unaffected by socioeconomic and demographic confounders, as well as institutional trust dynamics of healthcare system. Contrary to expectations, TCM enthusiasts do not exhibit vaccine hesitancy based on divergent epistemological views concerning vaccine risks and immunity acquisition compared to biomedicine. Discussion This research enriches understandings of the intricate relations between healthcare paradigms and vaccine attitudes, inviting further inquiry into the role of CAM in shaping vaccination behaviors across different cultures and contexts. The insights bear significant public health implications for enhancing vaccine acceptance and coverage, particularly among populations where CAM practices wield substantial influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Lan
- Department of Social Work, School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Faculty of Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Region, Hong Kong SAR, China
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8
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Chen X, Wang L, Huang Y, Zhang L. Risk perception and trust in the relationship between knowledge and HPV vaccine hesitancy among female university students in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:667. [PMID: 38429644 PMCID: PMC10908003 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18166-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer poses a heavy health burden in China, with the second highest incidence and mortality rate among female tumors, yet human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rate among female university students remain remains low. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the degree of HPV vaccine hesitancy among female university students and to explore the potential association between knowledge, risk perception, trust, and HPV vaccine hesitancy. METHODS A total of 1,438 female university students from four Chinese cities were recruited through stratified, multistage, cluster sampling method. The mediation model was constructed using the Bootstrap method, introducing trust and risk perception as mediating variables to examine the effect of knowledge on HPV vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS The study found that 8.9% (95%CI:7.4%∼10.4%) of the female university students exhibited HPV vaccine hesitancy. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a negative association between vaccine hesitancy and knowledge, risk perception, and trust. The mediation model showed that knowledge had significant indirect effects on HPV vaccine hesitancy through trust (indirect effect: -0.224, 95% CI: -0.293 ∼ -0.167) and risk perception (indirect effect: -0.013, 95% CI: -0.033 ∼ -0.002). CONCLUSION HPV vaccine hesitancy among female university students has mitigated, but still needs to be addressed. In addition, trust and risk perception are mediators mediating the relationship between knowledge with HPV vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen public health education to improve knowledge, with a particular focus on providing information about trust and risk perception to reduce HPV vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Public Administration and Emergency Management, Institute of Public Policy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Huang
- Center for Chinese Public Administration Research, School of Government, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Luying Zhang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
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Andrade G, Abdelmonem KYA, Alqaderi N, Teir HJ, Elamin ABA, Bedewy D. Fear of Needles and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Acceptance Amongst Adults in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study and Implications for Nursing. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608241261622. [PMID: 38881678 PMCID: PMC11177738 DOI: 10.1177/23779608241261622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Seasonal influenza remains a challenge in the United Arab Emirates, and vaccination is an important preventive measure. However, fear of needles may be an obstacle in vaccination efforts. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine, in a non-clinical sample obtained from the UAE, how much of an impact fear of needles has on the decision to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. Methods In the period September-December 2022, 372 participants were surveyed on their willingness to be vaccinated, their level of vaccine knowledge, and their level of fear of needles. Logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of fear of needles and vaccine knowledge on the decision to accept the seasonal influenza vaccine. Results Fear of needles and vaccine knowledge are significant predictors in the decision to receive the vaccine. There were no gender or ethnic differences in fear of needles, but there were differences in the decision to receive the vaccines, with women and non-Arabs being more hesitant. Conclusion Fear of needles may be an important variable to account for in public policies designed to improve vaccination rates in the UAE. For public health policy in the UAE, this implies that authorities must dedicate efforts to manage fear of needles in the general population. Efforts to address fear of vaccines in the general population must be made with proper training of nurses. Alternatively, authorities may need to seek oral alternatives for the administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Dalia Bedewy
- Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
- Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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10
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Voss U, Schermelleh-Engel K, Hauser L, Holzmann M, Fichtner D, Seifert S, Klimke A, Windmann S. Alike but not the same: Psychological profiles of COVID-19 vaccine skeptics. Health Psychol Open 2024; 11:20551029241248757. [PMID: 38681211 PMCID: PMC11047032 DOI: 10.1177/20551029241248757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was a widespread skepticism about vaccination. To elucidate the underlying mental and emotional predispositions, we examined a sample of 1428 participants using latent profile analysis (LPA) on selected personality trait variables, mental health status, and measures of irrational beliefs. LPA revealed five distinct profiles: two classes of non-skeptics and three of skeptics. The smaller non-skeptic class reported the highest rates of mental health problems, along with high levels of neuroticism, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, and external locus of control. The larger non-skeptic class was psychologically well-balanced. Conversely, the skeptic groups shared strong distrust of COVID-19 vaccination but differed in emotional and mental profiles, leading to graded differences in endorsing extreme conspiracy beliefs. This suggests that vaccine skepticism is not solely a result of mental illness or emotional instability; rather extreme skepticism manifests as a nuanced, graded phenomenon contingent on personality traits and conspirational beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Voss
- Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | | | - Leana Hauser
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | | | - Diana Fichtner
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Seifert
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
| | - Ansgar Klimke
- VITOS Hochtaunus Psychiatric Hospital, Friedrichsdorf, Germany
- Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
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Jovanović V, Lazić M, Gavrilov-Jerković V, Zotović-Kostić M, Obradović V. Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale: Validation and Measurement Invariance in a Youth Sample. Eval Health Prof 2023; 46:362-370. [PMID: 37042299 DOI: 10.1177/01632787231170237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale (VCBS) is a widely used measure of conspiracy beliefs about vaccines, but evidence of its validity and measurement invariance, especially in youth samples, is still largely missing. The present study examined VCBS scores' factor structure, measurement invariance, convergent and discriminant validity, and incremental predictive validity. A sample of 803 Serbian youths (age range 15-24; 59.2% females) was recruited for the study. A modified single-factor model of the VCBS was supported, and showed evidence of full scalar invariance across gender, age, vaccination status, and personal history of COVID-19. Evidence of the VCBS scores' convergent and discriminant validity was obtained by examining associations with general conspiracy beliefs, vaccination attitudes, vaccination knowledge, intentions to get vaccinated against COVID-19, paranoia worries, fear of injections and blood draws, importance of God, self-rated health, and self-rated family's financial situation. The VCBS scores predicted a unique variance in the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19, over and above vaccination attitudes and vaccination knowledge. The results suggest that the VCBS is a valid measure of vaccine conspiracy beliefs in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veljko Jovanović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Milica Lazić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Marija Zotović-Kostić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vojana Obradović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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12
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Tomás JM, Vilca LW, Carbajal-León C, Gallegos M, Reyes-Bossio M, Oré-Kovacs N, Muñoz-Del-Carpio-Toia Á, Torales J, Barria-Asenjo NA, Garcia-Cadena CH. Relationship Between Fear of Monkeypox and Intention to be Vaccinated Against Monkeypox in a Peruvian Sample. The Mediating Role of Conspiracy Beliefs About Monkeypox. Eval Health Prof 2023; 46:353-361. [PMID: 37246714 DOI: 10.1177/01632787231180195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the predictive capacity of fear of Monkeypox (MPX) on the intention to be vaccinated against MPX and the influence of conspiracy beliefs as a mediating variable in this relationship in 516 Peruvian sample with an average age of 27.10 years participated. Monkeypox Fear Scale, MPX Conspiracy Beliefs Scale and a single item of intention to be vaccinated against MPX were used. Statistical analyses have included estimation of descriptive statistics for all variables in the model tested and Structural Equation Modeling to predict intention to be vaccinated against monkeypox. It has been found that fear has a positive impact on conspiracy beliefs about MPX and intention to be vaccinated against MPX. Finally, conspiracy beliefs are negatively related to intention to be vaccinated. As for indirect effects, both are statistically significant. The model explains 11.4% of the variance in beliefs and 19.1% in intention to be vaccinated. It is concluded that fear of MPX played an important role, both directly and indirectly, in the intention to be vaccinated against MPX, having conspiratorial beliefs about MPX as a mediating variable. The results have important implications for public health practices aimed at combating doubts about MPX vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José M Tomás
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Lindsey W Vilca
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Carbajal-León
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - Miguel Gallegos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia, Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Mario Reyes-Bossio
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | - Nicole Oré-Kovacs
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Julio Torales
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
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13
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Sallam M, Abbasi H, Obeidat RJ, Badayneh R, Alkhashman F, Obeidat A, Oudeh D, Uqba Z, Mahafzah A. Unraveling the association between vaccine attitude, vaccine conspiracies and self-reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination among nurses and physicians in Jordan. Vaccine X 2023; 15:100405. [PMID: 38161986 PMCID: PMC10755110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The negative impact of vaccine conspiracies is linked with negative health behavior. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between attitudes toward booster COVID-19, influenza, and monkeypox (mpox) vaccinations with post-COVID-19 vaccine side effects, vaccine conspiracies, and attitude towards mandatory vaccination among nurses and physicians in Jordan. Methods A structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, COVID-19 history, COVID-19 vaccine type and doses received, self-reported side effects post-COVID-19 vaccination, acceptance of booster COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and mpox vaccinations, attitudes towards mandatory vaccination, and beliefs in vaccine conspiracies. Results The study sample comprised a total of 341 participants. Acceptance of yearly booster COVID-19 vaccination was expressed by 46.6% of the sample, while 73.3% accepted seasonal influenza vaccination, and only 37.0% accepted mpox vaccination. A higher frequency of self-reported side effects following the first COVID-19 vaccine dose was associated with embrace of vaccine conspiracies and vaccine type. For the second vaccine dose, a higher frequency of self-reported side effects was associated with the embrace of vaccine conspiracies, older age, and affiliation to private sector. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, the lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies was associated with lower odds of reporting side effects post-COVID-19 vaccination. The lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies and favorable attitude towards mandatory vaccination were associated with the willingness to get COVID-19, influenza, and mpox vaccinations. Conclusion The study findings highlighted the negative impact of embracing vaccine conspiracies on health-seeking behavior among nurses and physicians. The findings indicated that the willingness to get vaccinated was associated with lower endorsement of vaccine conspiracies. Additionally, the lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies was associated with a lower frequency of self-reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination. These results emphasize the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting accurate information to ensure optimal vaccine uptake and public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hiba Abbasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rawan J. Obeidat
- The Office of Infection Prevention and Control, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Reham Badayneh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Farah Alkhashman
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Aseel Obeidat
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Dana Oudeh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Zena Uqba
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Azmi Mahafzah
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
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14
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Caserotti M, Girardi P, Sellaro R, Rubaltelli E, Tasso A, Lotto L, Gavaruzzi T. To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? The interplay between pro- and against- vaccination reasons. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2207. [PMID: 37946143 PMCID: PMC10634164 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17112-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND By mid 2023, European countries reached 75% of vaccine coverage for COVID-19 and although vaccination rates are quite high, many people are still hesitant. A plethora of studies have investigated factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, however, insufficient attention has been paid to the reasons why people get vaccinated against COVID-19. Our work aims to investigate the role of reasons in the decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in a representative sample of 1,689 adult Italians (March-April 2021) balanced in terms of age, gender, educational level and area of residence. METHODS Through an online questionnaire, we asked participants to freely report up to three reasons for and against COVID-19 vaccination, and the weight each had in the decision to get vaccinated. We first investigated the role of emotional competence and COVID-19 risk perception in the generation of both reasons using regression models. Next, we studied the role that the different reasons had in the vaccination decision, considering both the intention to vaccinate (using a beta regression model) and the decision made by the participants who already had the opportunity to get vaccinated (using a logistic regression model). Finally, two different classification tree analyses were carried out to characterize profiles with a low or high willingness to get vaccinated or with a low or high probability to accept/book the vaccine. RESULTS High emotional competence positively influences the generation of both reasons (ORs > 1.5), whereas high risk perception increases the generation of positive reasons (ORs > 1.4) while decreasing reasons against vaccination (OR = 0.64). As pro-reasons increase, vaccination acceptance increases, while the opposite happens as against-reasons increase (all p < 0.001). One strong reason in favor of vaccines is enough to unbalance the decision toward acceptance of vaccination, even when reasons against it are also present (p < 0.001). Protection and absence of distrust are the reasons that mostly drive willingness to be vaccinated and acceptance of an offered vaccine. CONCLUSIONS Knowing the reasons that drive people's decision about such an important choice can suggest new communication insights to reduce possible negative reactions toward vaccination and people's hesitancy. Results are discussed considering results of other national and international studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Caserotti
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venezia, Venice, Italy
| | - Roberta Sellaro
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Rubaltelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Lorella Lotto
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Teresa Gavaruzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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15
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Nefes TS, Präg P, Romero-Reche A, Pereira-Puga M. Believing in conspiracy theories in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic: Drivers and public health implications. Soc Sci Med 2023; 336:116263. [PMID: 37797543 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Conspiracy theories jeopardize public health by disseminating misinformation and undermining authoritative health guidelines. This study explores social factors associated with the belief in conspiracy theories in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of Max Weber, it posits that beliefs in conspiracy theories are linked to both instrumental rationality considerations, such as trust in health authorities, science, and pharmaceutical companies, as well as value-rationality based factors, such as ideological orientation. The study analyzes recent, nationally representative survey data and is the first to examine the social predictors of belief in conspiracy theories in Spain during the pandemic. The findings highlight that conspiracy theory beliefs are (a) associated with considerably worse vaccination behaviors, (b) not or only very weakly associated with standard demographics such as age, sex, or education, (c) related to instrumental rationality considerations, and (d) only weakly related to value-rationality indicators such as ideological and religious affiliations. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of public health policies that specifically address conspiracy theory convictions, and to that end, advocates for the application of a Weberian sociological perspective to better understand the diverse rationalities underlying these beliefs, particularly in the absence of discernible demographic predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Türkay Salim Nefes
- Institute of Public Goods and Policies, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Albasanz, 26-28, 28037, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Patrick Präg
- Center for Research in Economics and Statistics (CREST), ENSAE, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 5 avenue Le Chatelier, 91764, Palaiseau, France.
| | - Alejandro Romero-Reche
- Faculty of Political Sciences and Sociology, University of Granada, C/ Rector López Argüeta, S/N, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Manuel Pereira-Puga
- Institute of Public Goods and Policies, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Albasanz, 26-28, 28037, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Waterschoot J, Van Oost P, Vansteenkiste M, Brisbois M, Schmitz M, Morbée S, Klein O, Luminet O, Van den Bergh O, Raemdonck E, Yzerbyt V. Who is motivated to accept a booster and annual dose? A dimensional and person-centered approach. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:1293-1318. [PMID: 36748440 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The transmissibility of new COVID-19 variants and decreasing efficacy of vaccines led authorities to recommend a booster and even an annual dose. However, people's willingness to accept new doses varied considerably. Using two independent longitudinal samples of 4596 (Mean age = 53.6) and 514 (Mean age = 55.9) vaccinated participants, we examined how people's (lack of) vaccination motivation for their first dose was associated with their intention to get a booster (Sample 1) and an annual dose (Sample 2) several months later (Aim 1). We also aimed to capture the impact of the motivational heterogeneity on these intentions by capitalizing on participants' different motivational profiles collected at baseline (Aim 2). Across both samples, autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and distrust-based amotivation were uniquely related to, respectively, higher, lower, and even lower booster and annual dose intentions. Further, a two-step clustering procedure revealed five profiles, with the profiles characterized by higher autonomous motivation (i.e. Good Quality and High Quantity profiles) reporting the highest vaccination intentions and the profile characterized by the highest number of obstacles (i.e. Global Amotivated profile) yielding the lowest vaccination intentions. These results stress the critical need to support citizens' volitional endorsement of vaccination to harvest long-term benefits with respect to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Waterschoot
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Pascaline Van Oost
- Faculty of Psychological Sciences and Education, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
- Institute for Research in the Psychological Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place Cardinal Mercier 10 box L3.05.01, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium
| | - Maarten Vansteenkiste
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Marie Brisbois
- Institute for Research in the Psychological Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place Cardinal Mercier 10 box L3.05.01, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium
| | - Mathias Schmitz
- Institute for Research in the Psychological Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place Cardinal Mercier 10 box L3.05.01, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium
| | - Sofie Morbée
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Olivier Klein
- Faculty of Psychological Sciences and Education, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Olivier Luminet
- Institute for Research in the Psychological Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place Cardinal Mercier 10 box L3.05.01, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium
- Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Omer Van den Bergh
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 box 3726, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Eveline Raemdonck
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Vincent Yzerbyt
- Institute for Research in the Psychological Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place Cardinal Mercier 10 box L3.05.01, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium
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17
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Motilal S, Mohepath N, Moncur J, Mohess R, Mohan V, Mohammed S, Moore D, Mosca K, Mulchan T. Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Impacting Willingness to Vaccinate Against the Human Papillomavirus in Trinidad. Cureus 2023; 15:e43581. [PMID: 37593070 PMCID: PMC10430892 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young women in Trinidad and Tobago. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs of Trinidadian parents toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. In addition, factors predictive of willingness to vaccinate were explored. Methodology In this cross-sectional study conducted between March and May 2019, a paper-based survey was self-administered to parents of children in the 5-12-year age group in seven geographically representative Trinidadian primary schools. Results Of the 420 questionnaires distributed, 160 were returned completed (38% response rate). General knowledge that HPV causes cervical cancer and genital warts and is spread by sexual contact was common among 81%, 71%, and 81% of parents, respectively. At least 40% of the respondents expressed uncertainty about the vaccine's long-lasting health problems and its effectiveness in preventing genital warts and cervical cancer. Half of the parents were unsure if the vaccine was harmful. The perceptions that vaccine safety data are fabricated, drug companies cover up the dangers of vaccines, vaccine efficacy data are often fabricated, people are deceived about vaccine efficacy and safety, and conspiracy beliefs were held by 15.5%, 26.1%, 13%, 21.7%, and 28.5% of parents, respectively. There was a negative correlation between knowledge and conspiracy belief scores (ρ = -0.30, p < 0.001). Overall, 45.3% of parents were willing to immunize their children against HPV. Being informed about HPV by a health professional (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-5.8), knowledge of the benefits (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 2.2-9.6), and a health professional offering the option of vaccination (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.7-8.0) were associated with significantly increased odds of parents willing to vaccinate their child. The agreement that vaccine safety data are often fabricated (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.12-0.84), pharmaceutical companies cover up the dangers of vaccines (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.06-0.37), waiting at the clinic being time-consuming (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.15-0.89), and the beliefs that adolescents are too young to get a vaccine to prevent sexually transmitted disease (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.11-0.83) were associated with a significantly decreased willingness to vaccinate. Conclusions While general knowledge about HPV was high, there remain several areas for parental education regarding the HPV vaccine. Misbeliefs need to be addressed and multilevel interventions are needed to improve HPV vaccine uptake in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shastri Motilal
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
| | - Nicholas Mohepath
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
| | - Jana Moncur
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
| | - Ricky Mohess
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
| | - Vasthala Mohan
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
| | - Shanaz Mohammed
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
| | - Diana Moore
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
| | - Katherina Mosca
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
| | - Tisha Mulchan
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, TTO
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18
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Brandenberger J, Duchen R, Lu H, Wanigaratne S, Cohen E, To T, Piché-Renaud PP, Guttmann A. COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Immigrant, Refugee, and Nonimmigrant Children and Adolescents in Ontario, Canada. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2325636. [PMID: 37494039 PMCID: PMC10372706 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.25636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for minors. Surveys indicate lower vaccine acceptance by some immigrant and refugee groups. Objective To identify characteristics in immigrant, refugee, and nonimmigrant minors associated with vaccination. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used linked, population-based demographic and health care data from Ontario, Canada, including all children aged 4 to 17 years registered for universal health insurance on January 1, 2021, across 2 distinct campaigns: for adolescents (ages 12-17 years), starting May 23, 2021, and for children (ages 5-11 years), starting November 25, 2021, through April 24, 2022. Data were analyzed from May 9 to August 2, 2022. Exposures Immigrant or refugee status and immigration characteristics (recency, category, region of origin, and generation). Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes of interest were crude rates of COVID-19 vaccination (defined as ≥1 vaccination for children and ≥2 vaccinations for adolescents) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs for vaccination, adjusted for clinical, sociodemographic, and health system factors. Results The total cohort included 2.2 million children and adolescents, with 1 098 749 children (mean [SD] age, 7.06 [2.00] years; 563 388 [51.3%] males) and 1 142 429 adolescents (mean [SD] age, 14.00 [1.99] years; 586 617 [51.3%] males). Among children, 53 090 (4.8%) were first-generation and 256 886 (23.4%) were second-generation immigrants or refugees; among adolescents, 104 975 (9.2%) were first-generation and 221 981 (19.4%) were second-generation immigrants or refugees, most being economic or family-class immigrants. Immigrants, particularly refugees, were more likely to live in neighborhoods with highest material deprivation (first-generation immigrants: 18.6% of children and 20.2% of adolescents; first-generation refugees: 46.4% of children and 46.3% of adolescents; nonimmigrants: 18.5% of children and 17.2% of adolescents) and COVID-19 risk (first-generation immigrants; 20.0% of children and 20.5% of adolescents; first-generation refugees: 9.4% of children and 12.6% of adolescents; nonimmigrants: 6.9% of children and 6.8% of adolescents). Vaccination rates (53.1% in children and 79.2% in adolescents) were negatively associated with material deprivation. In both age groups, odds for vaccination were higher in immigrants (children: aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.27-1.33; adolescents: aOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.08-1.12) but lower in refugees (children: aOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.33-0.36; adolescents: aOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.84-0.91) compared with nonimmigrants. In immigrant- and refugee-only models stratified by generation, region of origin was associated with uptake, compared with the overall rate, with the lowest odds observed in immigrants and refugees from Eastern Europe (children: aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.35-0.46; adolescents: aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.38-0.43) and Central Africa (children: aOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.16-0.35; adolescents: aOR, 0.51,CI: 0.45-0.59) and the highest odds observed in immigrants and refugees from Southeast Asia (children: aOR, 2.68; 95% CI, 2.47-2.92; adolescents aOR, 4.42; 95% CI, 4.10-4.77). Adjusted odds of vaccination among immigrants and refugees from regions with lowest vaccine coverage were similar across generations. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study using a population-based sample in Canada, nonrefugee immigrants had higher vaccine coverage than nonimmigrants. Substantial heterogeneity by region of origin and lower vaccination coverage in refugees persisted across generations. These findings suggest that vaccine campaigns need precision public health approaches targeting specific barriers in identified, undervaccinated subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brandenberger
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatric Emergency Department, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Hong Lu
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susitha Wanigaratne
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eyal Cohen
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teresa To
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pierre-Philippe Piché-Renaud
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Salazar-Fernández C, Baeza-Rivera MJ, Manríquez-Robles D, Salinas-Oñate N, Sallam M. From Conspiracy to Hesitancy: The Longitudinal Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Conspiracy Theories on Perceived Vaccine Effectiveness. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1150. [PMID: 37514966 PMCID: PMC10386435 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The embrace of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine conspiracies has been linked to vaccine hesitancy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories and perceived vaccine effectiveness. The study utilized a longitudinal follow-up study in which adults in Chile completed surveys in December 2020 (T1) and May 2021 (T2). The psychometric properties of the five-item instrument on conspiracy theories for the COVID-19 vaccine were evaluated using data from T1 (n = 578). A confirmatory one-factor structure with suitable indicators of reliability was found. The longitudinal analysis (n = 292) revealed that conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 vaccine in T1 were associated with lower beliefs in its effectiveness in T2. However, no significant association was found between beliefs in effectiveness in T1 and conspiracy theories in T2. The study suggests that beliefs in conspiracy theories may temporally precede beliefs in vaccine effectiveness for COVID-19. The results have implications for strategies to address vaccine conspiracy beliefs and their implementation at the public policy level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María José Baeza-Rivera
- Laboratorio de Interacciones, Cultura y Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4810101, Chile
| | - Diego Manríquez-Robles
- Laboratorio de Interacciones, Cultura y Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4810101, Chile
| | - Natalia Salinas-Oñate
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811322, Chile
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Malmö, Sweden
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20
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Regazzi L, Lontano A, Cadeddu C, Di Padova P, Rosano A. Conspiracy beliefs, COVID-19 vaccine uptake and adherence to public health interventions during the pandemic in Europe. Eur J Public Health 2023:7192366. [PMID: 37290405 PMCID: PMC10393495 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conspiracy beliefs can be a major hindrance causing a lack of compliance with public health measures, including vaccination. We examined the relationship between individual attitudes, socio-demographic factors, conspiracy beliefs, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and preferences about pandemic policies in Europe. METHODS We used data from the 10th round of the European Social Survey, conducted in 2021-22 in 17 European countries. Both a conspiracy index and a personal attitude index for each participant were built by using a Latent Class Analysis model. Then, we used a multilevel regression model to investigate the relationship between a personal attitudes index, socio-demographic factors and country of residence, and a conspiracy index. We descriptively analyse the relationship between the conspiracy index and four main items related to COVID-19. RESULTS We found that a higher probability of believing in conspiracy theories was associated with male gender, middle age, lower levels of education, unemployment, lower levels of trust and satisfaction and right-wing political orientation. The country of residence was a contextual factor, with eastern European countries having higher levels of conspiracy beliefs. Individuals who expressed conspiracy beliefs had lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake, were less satisfied with the way health services coped with the pandemic and less supportive of governmental restrictions. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable insights into the factors associated with conspiracy beliefs and their potential impact on public health. The findings highlight the need for effective strategies to address the underlying factors driving conspiracy beliefs, reduce vaccine hesitancy and promote acceptance of public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Regazzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Alberto Lontano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Pasquale Di Padova
- National Institute for the Analysis of Public Policies (INAPP), Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Rosano
- National Institute for the Analysis of Public Policies (INAPP), Rome, Italy
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Naidoo D, Meyer-Weitz A, Govender K. Factors Influencing the Intention and Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines on the African Continent: A Scoping Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040873. [PMID: 37112785 PMCID: PMC10146577 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a severe concern worldwide, particularly in Africa. Vaccines are crucial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review examined existing literature from 2020 to 2022 on individual, interpersonal, and structural barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination within Africa to facilitate more informed health promotion interventions to improve vaccine uptake. This review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodological framework. A comprehensive search was undertaken from 2021 to 2022 using six electronic databases: EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, WorldCat Discovery, and Google Scholar. Data was collected, charted into themes, and summarized using a standard data extraction sheet in Microsoft Excel. A total of forty (n = 40) published academic articles were reviewed, with many conducted in Nigeria (n = 10), followed by Ethiopia (n = 5) and Ghana (n = 4) and the rest elsewhere in Africa. Thematic narratives were used to report data into six themes: attitudes and perceptions about COVID-19 vaccines, intention to uptake COVID-19 vaccines; factors and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake; socio-demographic determinants affecting the intention and uptake; and information sources for COVID-19 vaccines. The intention for uptake ranged from 25% to 80.9%, resulting in a suboptimal uptake intention rate (54.2%) on the African continent. Factors that promoted vaccine acceptance included confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines and the desire to protect people. Age, education, and gender were the most common factors significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Most studies revealed that considerable barriers to vaccine uptake exist in Africa. Concerns about potential side effects, vaccine ineffectiveness, a perceived lack of information, and inaccessibility were among the individual, interpersonal, and structural barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was strongly correlated with being female. Mass and social media were the main sources of information regarding COVID-19 vaccines. To encourage vaccine uptake, governments should pay attention to refuting misinformation through integrated community-based approaches, such as creating messages that convey more than just information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Naidoo
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
- Health Promotion Unit, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X9051, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- HEARD, College of Law and Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
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22
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Wu J, Shen Z, Li Q, Tarimo CS, Wang M, Gu J, Wei W, Zhang X, Huang Y, Ma M, Xu D, Ojangba T, Miao Y. How urban versus rural residency relates to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A large-scale national Chinese study. Soc Sci Med 2023; 320:115695. [PMID: 36736053 PMCID: PMC9846885 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Although urban-rural residency has been shown to influence individual COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, the differences between urban and rural China have yet to be uncovered. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the current prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in urban and rural areas and explore whether the rural versus urban residency is associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. METHODS A national, cross-sectional, online survey among Chinese urban and rural adults (≥18 years old) was conducted from 6th to August 9, 2021. A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic factors, perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination status. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to explore the association between urban versus rural residency and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS In total, 29,925 participants (80.56% urban participants) were recruited. Urban participants had a higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than their rural counterparts (9.39% vs. 4.26%). After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among females was lower than that in males in both urban (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI [0.69-0.88]) and rural areas (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.39-0.75]). The lack of trust towards vaccine producers was found to be associated with vaccine hesitancy among the urban participants (aOR = 2.76, 95% CI [2.22-3.43]). The rural floating population had a lower COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than the rural permanent residents (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.42-0.80]). PSM analysis revealed a 2.38% difference in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy between urban and rural participants. CONCLUSIONS Urban participants were more hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than rural participants. Priority should be placed on boosting confidence in the healthcare system to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among urban residents. Furthermore, we advocate for extra incentives and vaccination education for rural permanent residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanlei Shen
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanman Li
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Clifford Silver Tarimo
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China; Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Dar es salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Meiyun Wang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianqin Gu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wei
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Huang
- Manage and service Center of Wuhou Medical Institutes, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingze Ma
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyang Xu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Theodora Ojangba
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yudong Miao
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China; Henan Province Engineering, Research Center of Health Economy & Health Technology Assessment, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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Moscatelli S, Graziani AR, Botindari L, Ciaffoni S, Menegatti M. Do we need a strong captain to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic? Social identification, conspiracy theory beliefs, and the wish for a strong leader. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1100519. [PMID: 36844345 PMCID: PMC9945967 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In times of great uncertainty and hardship, calls for a strong leader tend to arise. The present study delved into this issue by examining possible sociopsychological antecedents of the wish for a strong leader during the COVID-19 crisis. Methods We examined the role of social identification, belief in conspiracy theories related to COVID-19, and trust in various relevant social actors in a sample of 350 Italian citizens. Results Structural equation modeling analyses showed that identification with Italians was related to a lower wish for a strong leader through the mediation of trust. Identification with Europeans had a direct and negative association with the wish for a strong leader. Finally, greater endorsement of conspiracy beliefs was related to a greater wish for a strong leader, directly and through diminished trust. Discussion These findings suggest that belief in conspiracy theories might drive individuals to depart from democratic principles, whereas relying on meaningful social identities can effectively contrast possible authoritarian turns brought about by a global societal crisis, such as the coronavirus outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Moscatelli
- Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,*Correspondence: Silvia Moscatelli, ✉
| | - Anna Rita Graziani
- Department of Communication and Economics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Ciaffoni
- Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Menegatti
- Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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24
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Pilch I, Turska-Kawa A, Wardawy P, Olszanecka-Marmola A, Smołkowska-Jędo W. Contemporary trends in psychological research on conspiracy beliefs. A systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1075779. [PMID: 36844318 PMCID: PMC9945548 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1075779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The number of psychological studies on conspiracy beliefs has been systematically growing for about a dozen years, but in recent years, the trend has intensified. We provided a review covering the psychological literature on conspiracy beliefs from 2018 to 2021. Halfway through this period, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, accompanied by an explosion of movements based on conspiracy theories, intensifying researchers' interest in this issue. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review systematically searched for relevant journal articles published between 2018 and 2021. A search was done on Scopus and Web of Science (only peer-reviewed journals). A study was included if it contained primary empirical data, if specific or general conspiracy belief(s) were measured and if its correlation with at least one other psychological variable was reported. All the studies were grouped for the descriptive analysis according to the methodology used, the participants' characteristics, the continent of origin, the sample size, and the conspiracy beliefs measurement tools. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity of the studies, narrative synthesis was performed. The five researchers were assigned specific roles at each stage of the analysis to ensure the highest quality of the research. Results Following the proposed methodology, 308 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 274 articles (417 studies) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and included in the review. Almost half of the studies (49.6%) were conducted in European countries. The vast majority of the studies (85.7%) were carried out on samples of adult respondents. The research presents antecedents as well as (potential) consequences of conspiracy beliefs. We grouped the antecedents of conspiracy beliefs into six categories: cognitive (e.g., thinking style) motivational (e.g., uncertainty avoidance), personality (e.g., collective narcissism), psychopathology (e.g., Dark Triad traits), political (e.g., ideological orientation), and sociocultural factors (e.g., collectivism). Conclusion and limitations The research presents evidence on the links between conspiracy beliefs and a range of attitudes and behaviors considered unfavorable from the point of view of individuals and of the society at large. It turned out that different constructs of conspiracy thinking interact with each other. The limitations of the study are discussed in the last part of the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Pilch
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Turska-Kawa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Political Science, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland,*Correspondence: Agnieszka Turska-Kawa,
| | - Paulina Wardawy
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata Olszanecka-Marmola
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Political Science, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Smołkowska-Jędo
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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25
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Čavojová V, Šrol J, Ballová Mikušková E. Scientific reasoning is associated with rejection of unfounded health beliefs and adherence to evidence-based regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36718393 PMCID: PMC9876755 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04284-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Scientific reasoning and trust in science are two facets of science understanding. This paper examines the contribution of science understanding, over and above analytic thinking, to the endorsement of conspiracy and pseudoscientific beliefs about COVID-19 and behavioral intentions to engage in the recommended preventive behavior. We examined the direct and indirect effects of science understanding on normative health behavior in a representative sample of the Slovak population (N = 1024). The results showed more support for the indirect pathway: individuals with a better understanding of science generally had fewer epistemically suspect beliefs and as a consequence tended to behave more in line with the evidence-based guidelines and get vaccinated. Neither scientific reasoning nor trust in science directly predicted non-compliance with preventive measures, but analytic thinking correlated positively with non-compliance with preventive measures. The strongest predictor of epistemically suspect beliefs was trust in science, which also directly predicted the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Therefore, reasoning about which experts or sources to believe (second-order scientific reasoning) has become more important than directly evaluating the original evidence (first-order scientific reasoning). Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-023-04284-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimíra Čavojová
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jakub Šrol
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Ballová Mikušková
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
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26
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Dasch S, Wachinger J, Bärnighausen T, Chen S, McMahon SA. Deliberation, context, emotion and trust - understanding the dynamics of adults' COVID-19 vaccination decisions in Germany. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:136. [PMID: 36658504 PMCID: PMC9850339 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14587-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Willingness to vaccinate against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is vital to successful vaccination campaigns, is wavering and suboptimal. In Germany, quantitative research highlighted concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines as barriers to uptake, but qualitative insights regarding individuals' decisions about COVID-19 vaccines and how personal perceptions reflect or refute existing behavioral theories are lacking. METHODS To identify how individuals make COVID-19 vaccination decisions within real-life contexts, we conducted 33 semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews with individuals in Germany between March and April 2021 using maximum variation sampling, focusing on perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines. Analysis, informed by a framework approach, began in the field via debriefings and was amplified upon the conclusion of data collection. RESULTS Four interconnected themes (deliberation, context, emotion, trust) shaped respondents' decisions about vaccination. Personal deliberation regarding benefits and risks of vaccines and perceptions of the broader social and political context sparked a spectrum of emotions that underpinned vaccination decisions. Trust in science and researchers emerged as a powerful protective factor facilitating the decision to get vaccinated even amidst a rapidly changing context and disconcerting information. CONCLUSIONS Our findings add to ongoing debates about the breadth of vaccination decisions by highlighting how respondents are influenced by their perceptions of the political context and the emotional heft of their decisions. The role of cognitive evaluation, context, and emotions mirrors other decision-making frameworks, particularly the Risk as Feelings Theory. We extend on the elements of this theory by highlighting trust as a protective factor when making decisions particularly in highly uncertain contexts. Success of vaccination campaigns, more important than ever as new variants of COVID-19 emerge, is interwoven with an ability to bolster trust in science. Communicating public-health decisions and information about vaccines transparently without instilling fear offers promising chances to strengthen public trust in COVID-19 vaccines. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00024505 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Dasch
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jonas Wachinger
- grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Simiao Chen
- grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shannon A. McMahon
- grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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27
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Allen JD, Fu Q, Nguyen K, Rose R, Silva D, Corlin L. Parents' Willingness to Vaccinate Children for COVID-19: Conspiracy Theories, Information Sources, and Perceived Responsibility. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:15-27. [PMID: 36755480 PMCID: PMC10038916 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2172107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding parental decision-making about vaccinating their children for COVID-19 is essential to promoting uptake. We conducted an online survey between April 23-May 3, 2021, among a national sample of U.S. adults to assess parental willingness to vaccinate their child(ren). We also examined associations between parental intentions to VACCINATE their children for COVID-19 and conspiracy theory beliefs, trusted information sources, trust in public authorities, and perceptions regarding the responsibility to be vaccinated. Of 257 parents of children under 18 years that responded, 48.2% reported that they would vaccinate their children, 25.7% were unsure, and 26.1% said they would not vaccinate. After adjusting for covariates, each one-point increase in the Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale was associated with 25% lower odds of parents intending to vaccinate their children compared to those who did not intend to (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64-0.88). Parents that perceived an individual and societal responsibility to be vaccinated were more likely to report that they intended to vaccinate their children compared to those that did not intend to vaccinate their children (AOR = 5.65, 95% CI: 2.37-13.44). Findings suggest that interventions should focus on combatting conspiracy beliefs, promoting accurate and trusted information sources, and creating social norms emphasizing shared responsibility for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D. Allen
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155, USA
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155, USA
| | - Kimberly Nguyen
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston MA, 02111, USA
| | - Rebecca Rose
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155, USA
| | - Deborah Silva
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155, USA
| | - Laura Corlin
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston MA, 02111, USA
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Shahani R, Asmi F, Ma J, Zawar A, Rufai OH, Muhideen S, Amosun TS, Jianxun C. How cyberchondria and decision self-efficacy shapes the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine: A gender-based comparison. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231185430. [PMID: 37744744 PMCID: PMC10515538 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231185430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Alarmingly, the individuals' reach and coverage to get vaccinated in developing regions during the pandemic is a massive challenge for concerned authorities. This study aimed to demonstrate how cyberchondria play a significant role in a classical health belief model. Cyberchondria may influence cognitive factors (e.g. self-efficacy), which may contribute to an increase in attitude-behavior gap. Especially in the context of a health-centric scenario, it may discourage individuals to take protective measures. Method By using the cross-sectional research design, the authors conducted a quantitative survey in Pakistan and collected 563 responses from 303 male respondents (rural = 91; urban = 212) with (Urban M:35.5, standard deviation (SD):13.4) and rural M:37.5, SD:8.4). Result The findings indicate that decision self-efficacy among males is stronger than that in females. It dominates other determinants, which can dampen the individuals' intentions to get vaccinated. For instance, the effect of conspiracies and perceived seriousness was noted nonsignificant and weak. In females, perceived seriousness was stronger determinant than in males. In addition, the negative effect of decision self-efficacy was noted in the case of females, and conspiracy and cyberchondria had a negative role. Conclusion This study highlights valuable implications for future research in infodemic, health communication and health literacy, and practical implications for regulatory bodies and public administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riffat Shahani
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fahad Asmi
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jin Ma
- Hefei First People's Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Asma Zawar
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | | | - Sayibu Muhideen
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | | | - Chu Jianxun
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Holman AC, Popușoi SA. Afraid but misinformed: Conspiracist beliefs cancel the positive influence of fear of COVID-19 on vaccination intentions - Findings from a Romanian sample. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1109064. [PMID: 37151344 PMCID: PMC10158732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1109064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors that make people more likely to refuse vaccination against COVID-19 is crucial in order to design public health messages efficient in increasing vaccination rates. As COVID-19 creates risks of seriously damaging health effects, fear of this disease is as a significant determinant of vaccination intentions, as indicated by past research. Nevertheless, this positive influence may be limited in people who do not consider vaccines as a solution to protect against COVID-19, especially those who hold conspiracist beliefs about the new coronavirus and, implicitly, about the newly developed vaccines. The present study examined in a cross-sectional design on a convenience sample (N = 564) the joint effect of fear of COVID-19 and conspiracist beliefs on vaccination intentions, advancing past research on their independent influences. Furthermore, we investigated and controlled the effects of perceived risk of catching COVID-19, trust in medical experts, attitude towards vaccination and socio-demographical characteristics (i.e., gender, age, and education), previously found to be associated to COVID-19 vaccination intentions. We also tested the effect of ambivalence towards vaccination, i.e., the degree to which people simultaneously hold positive and negative evaluations of this intervention, as the widespread misinformation on the new coronavirus and its vaccines may induce ambivalence on this latter issue in many people. The results showed that the positive effect of fear of COVID-19 on vaccination intentions emerged only in participants who tend not to endorse conspiracist ideas on the new coronavirus. Moreover, higher vaccine hesitancy was found in participants with higher ambivalence towards vaccination, in those who perceive the risk of being contaminated by the new coronavirus as low, and in those with more negative attitudes towards vaccines in general. Vaccine ambivalence also emerged as a mediator of the negative effects of conspiracist beliefs about COVID-19 on vaccination intentions. This pattern of findings suggests the public messages emphasizing the risks of COVID-19 should also combat misinformation in order to maximize vaccine uptake.
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Conspiracy mentality and health-related behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multiwave survey in Italy. Public Health 2023; 214:124-132. [PMID: 36549021 PMCID: PMC9673006 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to (1) explore the changes in conspiracy mentality across the four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) assess the relationship between conspirative mentality and psychological/behavioural variables; (3) identify the predictors of conspirative mentality; and (4) explore the effect of conspirative mentality on COVID-19 protective behaviour. STUDY DESIGN This was a multiwave survey. METHODS A total of 10,013 Italian individuals, aged 18-70 years, were assessed across the four waves (from January to May 2021) through online survey. We collected information about the sociodemographic characteristics of participants, personal experiences of COVID-19 infection, trust, COVID-19 protective behaviours, COVID-19 risk perception, arousal, auto-efficacy, resilience and well-being. Conspiracy mentality was assessed with the Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire. The statistical analyses included exploratory factorial analyses, Pearson correlations and multiple linear regressions. RESULTS The conspiracy mentality score during the COVID-19 pandemic was medium-high (mean 59.0 on a 0-100 scale) and slightly increased from 58.2 to 59.9 across months, in parallel with a slight decrease in trust in health institutions and scientific informational sources. Individuals aged >35 years, poorly educated and particularly scared about their financial situation were at risk of showing higher levels of conspirative mentality. Higher levels of conspirative mentality were risk factors for low levels of COVID-19 protective behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Clear and effective communication may improve trust in health institutions and informational sources, decrease conspirative theories and increase compliance with protective behaviour.
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Khadafi R, Nurmandi A, Qodir Z, Misran. Hashtag as a new weapon to resist the COVID-19 vaccination policy: a qualitative study of the anti-vaccine movement in Brazil, USA, and Indonesia. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2042135. [PMID: 35240923 PMCID: PMC9009927 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2042135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the anti-vaccine movement one of the top 10 global health threats. This trend has shown that it can diminish public faith in government and increase public distrust of scientific results in the health sector, including the use of the COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose of this study is to examine the anti-vaccine movement on Twitter social media platform, which uses Hashtag to protest vaccination regulations in the COVID-19 pandemic. The content analysis, relationship analysis, and word cloud analysis models were used in this study, which used a descriptive qualitative approach. The primary data source for this study is Hashtag, which are used to focus on three aspects. First, establish which information in Brazil, the United States, and Indonesia leads the anti-vaccine COVID-19 narrative. Second, how does the Hashtag link between each country work? Third, which narrative dominates the use of Hashtag in each of the three countries? According to the findings of this study, in Brazil, 69.2% of Twitter Hashtag associated to the COVID-19 vaccination were negative, compared to 59.4% in the USA and 62.8% in Indonesia. In general, the Hashtag used in the three countries to oppose COVID-19 vaccination policies have a clear and significant relationship. In Brazil, the Hashtag #covidiots was the most popular, while in the United States, #covivaccine was the most popular, and in Indonesia, #antivaccine was the most popular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizal Khadafi
- Departement of Islamic Politics - Political Science, Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta, Bantul, Indonesia
| | - Achmad Nurmandi
- Departement of Islamic Politics - Political Science, Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta, Bantul, Indonesia
| | - Zuly Qodir
- Departement of Islamic Politics - Political Science, Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta, Bantul, Indonesia
| | - Misran
- Departement of Islamic Politics - Political Science, Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta, Bantul, Indonesia
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Caserotti M, Gavaruzzi T, Girardi P, Sellaro R, Rubaltelli E, Tasso A, Lotto L. People's perspectives about COVID-19 vaccination certificate: Findings from a representative Italian sample. Vaccine 2022; 40:7406-7414. [PMID: 36068108 PMCID: PMC9376303 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In Italy, like in other countries, issues still exist regarding how to reach high vaccine coverage and several countries have considered policies to increase vaccine uptake. In the present study, we focused on people who have a favorable attitude towards vaccination. In March-April 2021, we asked a representative sample of Italian participants (N = 1,530) to assess to what extent they would support the adoption of a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, excluding unvaccinated people from participating in public and cultural events. Furthermore, as the vaccination coverage increases, severe forms of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization more likely involve unvaccinated individuals, who might be perceived as those who don't contribute to ending the pandemic and who constitute a significant health cost for society. We then asked participants to assess to what extent they would favor the idea of requiring people who refuse the vaccine to pay for their own medical expenses in case of hospitalization. We hypothesized that support for the adoption of the vaccination certificate would be predicted by the COVID-19 vaccination status (received, booked, high-, medium-, low-willingness to be vaccinated, or refused) and by the same factors that are known to affect the willingness to get vaccinated. These factors were also tested in a model aimed at investigating if a vaccinated person would favor a measure requiring the unvaccinated individuals to pay for medical expenses. Results confirmed that the support towards the vaccination certificate policy was strongly predicted by the vaccination status and by factors known to affect the willingness to get vaccinated. Interestingly (and surprisingly), a similar pattern was observed for the support of the policy about medical expenses. In conclusion, support for a COVID-19 vaccination certificate was high among the Italian population in the early phases of the vaccination rollout. The findings are discussed considering potential policies to tackle the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Caserotti
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Teresa Gavaruzzi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy; Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Cesare Battisti 241, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Roberta Sellaro
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Enrico Rubaltelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Tasso
- Department of Humanities, University of Ferrara, Via Paradiso 12, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Lorella Lotto
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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Bussink-Voorend D, Hautvast JLA, Vandeberg L, Visser O, Hulscher MEJL. A systematic literature review to clarify the concept of vaccine hesitancy. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:1634-1648. [PMID: 35995837 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is considered a top-10 global health threat. The concept of VH has been described and applied inconsistently. This systematic review aims to clarify VH by analysing how it is operationalized. We searched PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases on 14 January 2022. We selected 422 studies containing operationalizations of VH for inclusion. One limitation is that studies of lower quality were not excluded. Our qualitative analysis reveals that VH is conceptualized as involving (1) cognitions or affect, (2) behaviour and (3) decision making. A wide variety of methods have been used to measure VH. Our findings indicate the varied and confusing use of the term VH, leading to an impracticable concept. We propose that VH should be defined as a state of indecisiveness regarding a vaccination decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Bussink-Voorend
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeannine L A Hautvast
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Vandeberg
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Olga Visser
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies E J L Hulscher
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Vandrevala T, Hendy J, Hanson K, Alidu L, Ala A. Unpacking
COVID
‐19 and conspiracy theories in the
UK
black community. Br J Health Psychol 2022; 28:482-498. [PMID: 36397650 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Conspiracy theories are associated with significant COVID-19 health consequences including lower engagement with protective behaviours. This study uses sensemaking theory, a process of constructing meanings through interpersonal exchanges that enable people to interpret their world to explain the theoretical process underlying the development of conspiratorial beliefs around COVID-19 within Black African and Caribbean communities in the UK. DESIGN Qualitative, in-depth interviews were used. METHODS Twenty-eight members of the communities were recruited: semi-structured interviews were analysed using grounded theory. RESULTS Our findings provide an explanation of how an environment of crisis combined with current and historical mistrust, perceived injustice and inequality provided a context in which alternative conspiracy narratives could thrive. The nature of these conspiratorial beliefs made more sense to many of our respondent's than institutional sources (such as the UK Government). Critically, these alternative beliefs helped respondents shape their decision-making, leading to non-engagement with COVID protective behaviours. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the uncertainty of the pandemic, combined with historical and contemporary perceived injustice and mistrust, and a lack of specific identity-aligned messaging, created a perfect environment for conspiratorial sense-making to thrive. This alternative sensemaking was inconsistent with the health-protection messaging espoused by the Government. To ensure all groups in society are protected, and for health promotion messages to take purchase, the experiences of different target audiences must be taken into account, with sensemaking anchored in lived experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushna Vandrevala
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education Kingston University London UK
| | - Jane Hendy
- Brunel Business School Brunel University London London UK
| | | | - Lailah Alidu
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education Kingston University London UK
| | - Aftab Ala
- Department of Access and Medicine Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Guildford UK
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Surrey Guildford UK
- Institute of Hepatology Studies King's College Hospital London London UK
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Adapting and Validating the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scales in Korea. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112274. [PMID: 36421598 PMCID: PMC9690969 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has emphasized a need to assess the cause of vaccine hesitancy. This study verified the reliability and validity of the Korean versions of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale and vaccine conspiracy belief scale and the correlation between them. The COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale, Korean COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale, vaccine conspiracy beliefs scale, and self-efficacy scale were the study tools. Following translation into Korean, back translation into English, content validity verification, and preliminary survey, valid samples were obtained from 400 adults aged >20 years. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that “belief” and “lack of trust” accounted for 62.4% of the total variance. The model fit index of the vaccine conspiracy beliefs scale revealed that all values were in a good range. The Korean version of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale showed a positive correlation with vaccine conspiracy beliefs (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and a significant negative correlation with self-efficacy (r = −0.17, p < 0.001). The validity and reliability of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale and vaccine conspiracy beliefs scale were verified. The Korean versions of the two scales can contribute to programs that measure and mediate various factors influencing vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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36
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Eichhorn J, Spöri T, Delhey J, Deutsch F, Dragolov G. Reality bites: An analysis of corona deniers in Germany over time. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2022; 7:974972. [PMID: 36405377 PMCID: PMC9672379 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.974972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented government interventions in many people's lives. Opposition to these measures was not only based on policy disagreements but for some founded in an outright denial of basic facts surrounding the pandemic, challenging social cohesion. Conspiracy beliefs have been prolific within various protest groups and require attention, as such attitudes have been shown to be associated with lower rule compliance. Several studies have shown that the characteristics linked to holding COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs are complex and manifold; however, those insights usually rest on cross-sectional studies only. We have less knowledge on whether these cross-sectional correlates also reveal which parts of the population have been newly convinced by conspiracy theories or have dropped their support for them as the pandemic evolved. Using a unique panel data set from Germany, this paper explores a wide range of characteristics and compares the insights gained from cross-sectional associations on the one hand and links to the ways in which people change their views on the other hand. The findings show that cross-sectional analyses miss out on nuanced differences between different groups of temporary and more consistent conspiracy supporters. Specifically, this paper identifies major differences in the profiles of people who have been denying COVID-19 consistently compared to those who changed their minds on the question and those who assessed the reality correctly throughout. In doing so, socio-political and perception-based dimensions are differentiated and distinctions between respondents from East and West Germany explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Eichhorn
- Social Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- d|part, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jan Delhey
- Soziologie, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Franziska Deutsch
- Social Sciences and Humanities, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Georgi Dragolov
- Soziologie, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
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Iannello P, Colautti L, Magenes S, Antonietti A, Cancer A. Black-and-white thinking and conspiracy beliefs prevent parents from vaccinating their children against COVID-19. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 36:ACP3999. [PMID: 36250193 PMCID: PMC9537936 DOI: 10.1002/acp.3999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding predictors of parents' willingness to vaccinate their children appears fundamental to promote vaccine acceptability, especially in a pandemic scenario. The present study aimed to investigate the role of conspiracy beliefs and absolutist thinking in parental attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine, and the predictive role of parents' individual differences on decisions against children's vaccination. An online survey was administered to 415 parents of children aged 5-11, at the very beginning of the vaccination targeting this population in Italy. Results showed that absolutism predicted the tendency to believe in conspiracies, associated with a negative attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine administration to children. Moreover, mothers were less willing to vaccinate children and parents of children aged 5-7 were more hesitant, or even against vaccination, than parents of older children. Finally, the worry about consequences of COVID-19 infection on children's health facilitated vaccine adherence. These findings contribute to deepening mechanisms regarding the vaccine acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Magenes
- Catholic University of the Sacred HeartMilanItaly
- Fraternità e Amicizia Società Cooperativa Sociale ONLUSMilanItaly
| | | | - Alice Cancer
- Catholic University of the Sacred HeartMilanItaly
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Validity testing of the conspiratorial thinking and anti-expert sentiment scales during the COVID-19 pandemic across 24 languages from a large-scale global dataset. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e167. [PMID: 36093606 PMCID: PMC9530382 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822001443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we tested the validity across two scales addressing conspiratorial thinking that may influence behaviours related to public health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the COVIDiSTRESSII Global Survey data from 12 261 participants, we validated the 4-item Conspiratorial Thinking Scale and 3-item Anti-Expert Sentiment Scale across 24 languages and dialects that were used by at least 100 participants per language. We employed confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance test and measurement alignment for internal consistency testing. To test convergent validity of the two scales, we assessed correlations with trust in seven agents related to government, science and public health. Although scalar invariance was not achieved when measurement invariance test was conducted initially, we found that both scales can be employed in further international studies with measurement alignment. Moreover, both conspiratorial thinking and anti-expert sentiments were significantly and negatively correlated with trust in all agents. Findings from this study provide supporting evidence for the validity of both scales across 24 languages for future large-scale international research.
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39
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Capasso M, Caso D, Zimet GD. The Mediating Roles of Attitude Toward COVID-19 Vaccination, Trust in Science and Trust in Government in the Relationship Between Anti-vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs and Vaccination Intention. Front Psychol 2022; 13:936917. [PMID: 36118432 PMCID: PMC9479343 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.936917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many conspiracy theories have spread widely, which has the potential to reduce adherence to recommended preventive measures. Specifically, anti-vaccine conspiracy beliefs can have a strong negative impact on COVID-19 vaccination attitude and intention. The present study aimed to clarify how such beliefs can reduce vaccination intention, exploring the possible mediating roles of attitude toward vaccination, trust in science, and trust in government, among a sample of 822 unvaccinated Italian adults (Women = 67.4%; M age = 38.1). Path analysis showed that anti-vaccine conspiracy beliefs influenced intention to get vaccinated both directly and indirectly through the mediating effects of attitude, trust in science, and trust in government. In particular, the simple mediating effect of attitude was the strongest one, followed by the serial mediating effect of trust in science and attitude itself. Findings provide insights into the design of interventions aimed at reducing misinformation and subsequent vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Capasso
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Caso
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gregory D. Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Takahashi S, Takahashi N, Sasaki S, Nohara M, Kawachi I. Occupational disparities in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Japan. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101226. [PMID: 36119724 PMCID: PMC9465492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We examined occupational disparities in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Japan. Methods Cross-sectional online surveys were conducted among of residents living in Iwate Prefecture from July 2 to 4 and from October 1 to 3 in 2021 (total n=17,914). Intention to get vaccinated for COVID-19 was assessed by self-report questions. We calculated odds ratios for vaccine hesitancy among occupational groups using logistic regression models controlling for covariates and stratified by age and sex groups. Results The overall prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 5.5% in our sample of working-age adults. Women <40 years were also 1.6 times more likely to be vaccine hesitant, citing concerns about adverse effects on pregnancy or breastfeeding. Among people aged 40–59 years, workers in the service industry, manufacturing industry, and the unemployed were significantly more likely to have perceived vaccine hesitancy regardless of sex. Young service workers viewed themselves as being more vulnerable to risk of infection but less susceptible to getting severe disease, whilst exhibiting low levels of vaccine knowledge. Middle-aged (40–59 years) workers in the manufacturing industry underestimated both vulnerability to infection and disease severity, as well as demonstrated low knowledge of vaccines and practice of preventive measures. Conclusions While complex and heterogeneous reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy have been cited in Western countries (e.g., mistrust of government, medical mistrust, and conspiracy beliefs), the situation in Japan may be more amenable to educational interventions targeting specific occupations. Policymakers should target interventions for increasing vaccine readiness in high risk occupations. We investigated occupational disparities in vaccine hesitancy in late 2021 in Japan. Respondents had already received their first shot. Groups that had perceived higher vaccine hesitancy included women aged <40 years working in the service sector. Groups also included middle-aged workers in the manufacturing sector, service sector, and the unemployed. The situation in Japan may be more amenable to education interventions in specific occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuko Takahashi
- Office of Medical Policy, Department of Health and Welfare, Iwate Prefectural Government, 10-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8570, Japan
- Division of Medical Education, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1, Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
- Corresponding author. Office of Medical Policy, Department of Health and Welfare, Iwate Prefectural Government, 10Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8570, Japan.
| | - Naomi Takahashi
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Iwate Medical University, School of Medicine, 1-1-1, Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sasaki
- Division of Health and National Health Insurance, Department of Health and Welfare, Iwate Prefectural Government, 10-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8570, Japan
| | - Masaru Nohara
- Department of Health and Welfare, Iwate Prefectural Government, 10-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8570, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard. T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Takahashi S, Yamada S, Sasaki S, Takahashi N, Nohara M, Kawachi I. A high level of vaccine knowledge increases people's behavioral risks for contracting COVID-19 in Japan. Soc Sci Med 2022; 310:115256. [PMID: 36029712 PMCID: PMC9365512 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been no study in which the association between levels of vaccine knowledge and preventive behaviors was examined during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the transition to risky (transmission) behavior according to level of vaccine knowledge over a seven-month period when vaccines became widely available in Japan. METHODS A series of cross-sectional surveys were conducted using rapid online surveys of residents in Iwate Prefecture from December 4 to 7 in 2020 (the first survey) and from July 2 to 4 in 2021 (the fourth survey). We calculated each individual's risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection using a quantitative assessment tool (the microCOVID calculator). The respondents' level of knowledge regarding the COVID-19 vaccine was assessed by a questionnaire and was divided into four groups: very low level, low level, moderate level, and high level of vaccine knowledge. RESULTS People with a high-level knowledge about the vaccine had significantly higher odds ratios (ORs) of transitioning to high-risk behavior compared to people with a low level of vaccine knowledge (OR [95% confidence interval (CI)], 1.50 [1.17-1.93]; P = 0.001). There was a dose-response association according to the four levels of vaccine knowledge, while engagement in preventive measures in the first survey was not associated with high-risk behavior in the follow-up survey. CONCLUSIONS Since new variants of SARS-CoV-2 have evolved, policy makers should continue to communicate strong messages to keep a high level of consciousness and maintain basic preventive measures even after widespread vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuko Takahashi
- Office of Medical Policy, Department of Health and Welfare, Iwate Prefectural Government, 10-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8570, Japan; Division of Medical Education, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1, Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan.
| | - Shohei Yamada
- Division of Finance, Department of General Affairs, Iwate Prefectural Government, 10-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8570, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sasaki
- Division of Health and National Health Insurance, Department of Health and Welfare, Iwate Prefectural Government, 10-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8570, Japan
| | - Naomi Takahashi
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Iwate Medical University, School of Medicine, 1-1-1, Idaidori, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
| | - Masaru Nohara
- Department of Health and Welfare, Iwate Prefectural Government, 10-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8570, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard. T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Shahani R, Chu J, Rufai OH, Zawar A, Muhideen S, Dilawar S, Amosun TS. Understanding the Role of Psychosocial Factors in Pakistani Parents' Hesitancy to Vaccinate Their Kids: The Mediating Role of Knowledge and Mistrust of Science about the COVID-19 Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1260. [PMID: 36016148 PMCID: PMC9413987 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is a vital component in the battle against outbreaks of infectious diseases. Recognizing parents' reluctance to vaccinate their children is even more critical now, given the ongoing threat of a COVID-19 pandemic. Conspiracy theories, vaccination safety concerns, parental efficacy and risk perception, and a lack of confidence in science all influence intention. To investigate how these variables interact with vaccination behavior against COVID-19, we developed a model with psychosocial factors serving as the predictor and mistrust in science and vaccine knowledge serving as the mediator. In order to validate the model, the parents' intentions regarding their children's vaccination with COVID-19 were used. The study included 454 Pakistani parents who completed an online questionnaire assessing their intention to vaccinate their children. We analyzed the data using structural equation modeling (SEM). A significant level of vaccine hesitation is due to belief in vaccine conspiracy theories, and vaccine safety concerns were investigated. A surprising correlation exists between risk perception and vaccination intentions, followed by parental self-efficacy. It is significant to note that vaccine knowledge mediated conspiracy beliefs, risk perceptions, and intentions fully but partially mediated parental self-efficacy. Conspiracy theories were mediated by a mistrust in science, while perceptions of risk and vaccine safety were partially mediated. The findings of this research were used to develop sensible policy reforms and public health campaigns to encourage vaccination against both common infections such as measles, human papillomaviruses, or pertussis, and novel diseases such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riffat Shahani
- School of Humaities and Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
| | - Jianxun Chu
- School of Humaities and Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
| | - Olayemi Hafeez Rufai
- School of Humaities and Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
| | - Asma Zawar
- School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
| | - Sayibu Muhideen
- School of Humaities and Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
| | - Sana Dilawar
- School of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
| | - Tunde Simeon Amosun
- School of Humaities and Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
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Sallam M, Al-Mahzoum K, Dardas LA, Al-Tammemi AB, Al-Majali L, Al-Naimat H, Jardaneh L, AlHadidi F, Al-Salahat K, Al-Ajlouni E, AlHadidi NM, Bakri FG, Mahafzah A, Harapan H. Knowledge of Human Monkeypox and Its Relation to Conspiracy Beliefs among Students in Jordanian Health Schools: Filling the Knowledge Gap on Emerging Zoonotic Viruses. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:924. [PMID: 35888642 PMCID: PMC9317638 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective: The recent multi-country outbreak of human monkeypox (HMPX) in non-endemic regions poses an emerging public health concern. University students in health schools/faculties represent a core knowledgeable group that can be helpful to study from a public health point of view. As future healthcare workers, assessment of their knowledge and attitude towards emerging zoonotic viral infections can be helpful to assess their taught material and courses with potential improvement if gaps in knowledge were identified. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the level of HMPX knowledge, conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections, as well as their associated determinants among university students studying Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Rehabilitation in Jordanian health schools/faculties. In addition, we sought to evaluate the correlation between HMPX knowledge and the extent of holding conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging viral infection. Materials and Methods: A convenient sample of university students was obtained through an electronic survey distributed in late May 2022 using the chain-referral approach. Assessment of HMPX knowledge and general attitude towards emerging virus infections was based on survey items adopted from previously published literature. Results: The study sample comprised 615 students with a mean age of 20 years and a majority of females (432, 70.2%) and medical students (n = 351, 57.1%). Out of eleven monkeypox knowledge items, three were identified correctly by >70% of the respondents. Only 26.2% of the respondents (n = 161) knew that vaccination to prevent monkeypox is available. Age was significantly associated with better HMPX knowledge for a majority of items. Older age, females, and affiliation to non-medical schools/faculties were associated with harboring higher levels of conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections. Our data also indicate that lower levels of HMPX knowledge were associated with higher levels of conspiracy beliefs. Conclusion: The current study pointed to generally unsatisfactory levels of knowledge regarding the emerging HMPX among university students in Jordanian health schools/faculties. Conspiracy beliefs regarding emerging virus infections were widely prevalent, and its potential detrimental impact on health behavior should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (K.A.-S.); (E.A.-A.); (A.M.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan;
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kholoud Al-Mahzoum
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (K.A.-M.); (L.A.-M.); (H.A.-N.); (F.A.)
| | | | - Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), The UN Migration Agency, Amman 11953, Jordan;
| | - Laith Al-Majali
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (K.A.-M.); (L.A.-M.); (H.A.-N.); (F.A.)
| | - Hala Al-Naimat
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (K.A.-M.); (L.A.-M.); (H.A.-N.); (F.A.)
| | - Laila Jardaneh
- School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Farah AlHadidi
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (K.A.-M.); (L.A.-M.); (H.A.-N.); (F.A.)
| | - Khaled Al-Salahat
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (K.A.-S.); (E.A.-A.); (A.M.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Eyad Al-Ajlouni
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (K.A.-S.); (E.A.-A.); (A.M.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Nadin Mohammad AlHadidi
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Faris G. Bakri
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Azmi Mahafzah
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (K.A.-S.); (E.A.-A.); (A.M.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Harapan Harapan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia;
- Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
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Rutjen BT, Većkalov B. Conspiracy beliefs and science rejection. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 46:101392. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Jing R, Fang H, Wang H, Wang J. The Role of General Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Vaccination on the Newly-Developed Vaccine: Results From a Survey on COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in China. Front Psychol 2022; 13:841189. [PMID: 35712143 PMCID: PMC9194573 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.841189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccination has been considered one of the most effective public health interventions. In the context of the global epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it remains unclear what role general vaccination attitudes and perceptions have on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Objective This study aims to explore the impact of general attitudes and perceptions toward vaccination on the acceptance of a newly developed vaccine, taking COVID-19 vaccines as an example. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,013 Chinese adult participants. Generalized order logistic regression and path analysis models were used to analyze impacts of general attitudes and perceptions toward vaccination on the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Results The prevalence of hesitancy to vaccination in general is 49.9% among the Chinese adult population. General perceptions of vaccination were associated with corresponding perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine. A “no hesitancy” attitude toward vaccination is a significant determinant (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.36–2.31) of future COVID-19 vaccination compared to vaccine refusers, and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine remain a significant determinant for the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Path analysis indicates that perceptions of the importance and safety of vaccination have a positive overall effect on the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, and that general perceptions of vaccination as a whole on each measure indirectly influence the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion General attitudes and perceptions toward vaccination were associated with those of the COVID-19 vaccine and future vaccination intention. To prepare for possible emergence of diseases in the future, routine health campaigns should be launched by relevant government departments and vaccination authorities to enhance the overall awareness and knowledge of vaccination among the public and to ensure optimal vaccination experience. In addition, targeted knowledge dissemination and mass mobilizations should be urged for newly developed vaccines when some specific infectious diseases emerge, such as COVID-19 at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rize Jing
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Fang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Joint Center for Vaccine Economics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hufeng Wang
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hufeng Wang,
| | - Jiahao Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Jiahao Wang,
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Ventura-León J, Valencia PD, Vilca LW, Carbajal-León C, Reyes-Bossio M, White M, Rojas-Jara C, Polanco-Carrasco R, Gallegos M, Cervigni M, Martino P, Palacios DA, Moreta-Herrera R, Samaniego-Pinho A, Lobos Rivera ME, Buschiazzo Figares A, Puerta-Cortés DX, Corrales-Reyes IE, Calderón R, Pinto Tapia B, Arias Gallegos WL, Petzold O. What Is the Support for Conspiracy Beliefs About COVID-19 Vaccines in Latin America? A Prospective Exploratory Study in 13 Countries. Front Psychol 2022; 13:855713. [PMID: 35602688 PMCID: PMC9120924 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.855713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Conspiracy theories about COVID-19 began to emerge immediately after the first news about the disease and threaten to prolong the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by limiting people's willingness of receiving a life-saving vaccine. In this context, this study aimed to explore the variation of conspiracy beliefs regarding COVID-19 and the vaccine against it in 5779 people living in 13 Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela) according to sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, educational level and source of information about COVID-19. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic between September 15 and October 25, 2021. The Spanish-language COVID-19 Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale (ECCV-COVID) and a sociodemographic survey were used. The results indicate that, in most countries, women, people with a lower educational level and those who receive information about the vaccine and COVID-19 from family/friends are more supportive of conspiracy ideas regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. In the case of age, the results vary by country. The analysis of the responses to each of the questions of the ECCV-COVID reveals that, in general, the countries evaluated are mostly in some degree of disagreement or indecision regarding conspiratorial beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. The findings could help open further study which could support prevention and treatment efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Ventura-León
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Lima, Peru
| | - Pablo D Valencia
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico
| | - Lindsey W Vilca
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Mario Reyes-Bossio
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael White
- Facultad de Ciencias Humanas y Educación, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Claudio Rojas-Jara
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Miguel Gallegos
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicología, Pontificia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Cervigni
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo Martino
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | | | | | - Antonio Samaniego-Pinho
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Filosofía, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Marlon Elías Lobos Rivera
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | | | | | - Ibraín Enrique Corrales-Reyes
- Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial, Hospital General Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma, Bayamo, Cuba
| | - Raymundo Calderón
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Valle de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bismarck Pinto Tapia
- Carrera de Psicología, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, La Paz, Bolivia
| | | | - Olimpia Petzold
- Lone Star College-Conroe Center, Conroe, TX, United States
- Psychosomatic and Psycho-Oncological Research Unit, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Zarbo C, Candini V, Ferrari C, d'Addazio M, Calamandrei G, Starace F, Caserotti M, Gavaruzzi T, Lotto L, Tasso A, Zamparini M, de Girolamo G. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Italy: Predictors of Acceptance, Fence Sitting and Refusal of the COVID-19 Vaccination. Front Public Health 2022; 10:873098. [PMID: 35570888 PMCID: PMC9098927 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.873098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hesitancy in taking the COVID-19 vaccine is a global challenge. The need to identify predictors of COVID-19 vaccine reluctance is critical. Our objectives were to evaluate sociodemographic, psychological, and behavioral factors, as well as attitudes and beliefs that influence COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in the general population of Italy. Methods A total of 2,015 people were assessed in two waves (March, April and May, 2021). Participants were divided into three groups: (1) individuals who accepted the vaccination (“accepters”); (2) individuals who refused the vaccination (“rejecters”); and (3) individuals who were uncertain about their attitudes toward the vaccination (“fence sitters”). Group comparisons were performed using ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis test and chi-square tests. The strength of the association between the groups and the participants' characteristics was analyzed using a series of multinomial logistic regression models with bootstrap internal validation (one for each factor). Results The “fence sitters” group, when compared to the others, included individuals of younger age, lower educational level, and worsening economic situation in the previous 3 months. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, the following features emerged as the main risk factors for being “fence sitters” (compared with vaccine “accepters”): reporting lower levels of protective behaviors, trust in institutions and informational sources, frequency of use of informational sources, agreement with restrictions and higher conspirative mentality. Higher levels of COVID-19 perceived risk, trust in institutions and informational sources, frequency of use of informational sources, agreement with restrictions and protective behaviors were associated with a higher likelihood of becoming “fence sitters” rather than vaccine “rejecters.” Conclusions The “fence sitters” profile revealed by this study is intriguing and should be the focus of public programmes aimed at improving adherence to the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zarbo
- Unit of Epidemiological Psychiatry and Evaluation, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Candini
- Unit of Epidemiological Psychiatry and Evaluation, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Candini
| | - Clarissa Ferrari
- Service of Statistics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Miriam d'Addazio
- Unit of Epidemiological Psychiatry and Evaluation, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gemma Calamandrei
- Centre for Behavioral Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Starace
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda Unitá Sanitaria Locale (AUSL) Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Marta Caserotti
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Teresa Gavaruzzi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorella Lotto
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Zamparini
- Unit of Epidemiological Psychiatry and Evaluation, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni de Girolamo
- Unit of Epidemiological Psychiatry and Evaluation, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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Zeng Z, Ding Y, Zhang Y, Guo Y. What Breeds Conspiracy Theories in COVID-19? The Role of Risk Perception in the Belief in COVID-19 Conspiracy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5396. [PMID: 35564791 PMCID: PMC9101897 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Conspiracy theories often emerge during public health crises, and can provide some explanation for the causes behind the crises. However, the prevalence of conspiracy theories also poses a serious threat to public health order and hinders the implementation of disease prevention and control measures. No studies have examined the role of multiple risk perceptions in the formation of beliefs in conspiracy theories from a cognitive perspective in the context of the epidemic. In this cross-sectional study, participants filled in an online survey in order to investigate the relationship between epidemic severity and beliefs in conspiracy theories and the mediating role of risk perception in this relationship. The results showed that COVID-19 epidemic severity positively predicted beliefs in both in- and out-group conspiracy theories. Risk perception mediated the positive relationship between COVID-19 epidemic severity and belief in in-group conspiracy theories. These results suggest that in a major public health crisis event: (1) residents at the epicenter may be more prone to believing in both in- and out-group conspiracy theories; and (2) beliefs in in- and out-group conspiracy theories may have different psychological mechanisms. Therefore, conspiracy theories about public health incidents, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, should be classified and treated by policy stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yongyu Guo
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210097, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.Z.)
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Musa S, Cilovic-Lagarija S, Kavazovic A, Bosankic-Cmajcanin N, Stefanelli A, Scott NA, Scherzer M, Kiss Z, Bach Habersaat K. COVID-19 Risk Perception, Trust in Institutions and Negative Affect Drive Positive COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604231. [PMID: 35479763 PMCID: PMC9036943 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate country-specific drivers and barriers of positive COVID-19 vaccine intentions in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), one of the two entities comprising Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, using an online behavioural insights survey tool adapted to the context of FBiH. Three survey waves, each including approximately 1,000 adults, were conducted in July, September and December 2020. Fixed-effects regression analysis was used to explore the drivers, barriers and attitudes towards accepting a future COVID-19 vaccine. Results: COVID-19 risk perception, trust in health institutions and negative affect were positive predictors of positive COVID-19 vaccine intentions, as were living in urban areas and having a college education (versus having primary or secondary education). Conversely, being female, feeling that the pandemic was overhyped by the media and the country of vaccine production were negative predictors. Conclusion: This study provided snapshots on the state of attitudes regarding a future COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in 2020. These findings provided useful insights into the efforts to introduce and roll out the COVID-19 vaccines in FBiH. Further efforts should focus on better understanding the demographic, cultural and behavioural contexts of COVID-related vaccination perceptions in FBiH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjin Musa
- Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- *Correspondence: Sanjin Musa,
| | - Seila Cilovic-Lagarija
- Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ariana Kavazovic
- Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nina Bosankic-Cmajcanin
- Department of Psychology, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Alberto Stefanelli
- ZK Analytics, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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The relation between conspiracism, government trust, and COVID-19 vaccination intentions: The key role of motivation. Soc Sci Med 2022; 301:114926. [PMID: 35344775 PMCID: PMC8928706 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Rationale Vaccination willingness is a critical step in the effort to reach herd immunity and control the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, many people remain reluctant to be vaccinated. Objective Integrating the literature on Self-Determination Theory, trust in authorities, and conspiracy theories, this research examines (a) the direct and indirect effect of government trust and conspiracism via underlying forms of motivations for (not) getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and (b) whether these associations differ across the two largely politically independent Belgian linguistic groups. Methods Using Structural Equation Modeling, we tested our models in two independent samples, in February 2021 (T1) and April 2021 (T2) (Total N = 8264). Results At T1 and T2, Government trust and conspiracism both predict COVID-19 vaccination intention, respectively positively and negatively. These relations are fully mediated by motivational factors, with identified motivations having a larger positive contribution. Looking at linguistic context, differences emerge at T2, with French-speaking Belgians showing lower levels of government trust and higher levels of conspiracism than Dutch speakers. Conclusions Results highlight the importance of integrating distal (trust in government, conspiracism) and proximal (motivational) variables to understand vaccination intentions.
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