The multidimensional nature of attitudes towards preventive vaccinations – a cross-sectional survey among Poles aged 15–39 years

• Authors: Filip Raciborski , Aneta Tomaszewska , Kamil Rakocy , Piotr Samel-Kowalik , Bolesław Samoliński , Mariusz Gujski , Jarosław Pinkas , Mateusz Jankowski

Abstracts

EN

Objectives Vaccination skepticism and vaccination refusal both constitute global public health concerns. Systematic monitoring of public attitudes towards vaccination is crucial for maintaining a high vaccination coverage rate. The study aimed to identify and characterize homogenous social groups distinguished by attitudes toward preventive vaccinations. Material and Methods Between October and November of 2021, a nationwide representative cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative sample of 1560 inhabitants of Poland aged 15–39 years. The study questionnaire included 60 questions on public attitudes towards vaccines, vaccination, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Factor analysis was applied to identify the main dimensions of vaccination attitudes. Results Factor analysis included 22 variables and yielded 3 factors or dimensions that accounted for 48.5% of the model’s variability. Young adults were assigned into 6 homogeneous groups based on these factors: 1) general trust in vaccination, 2) vaccine safety concerns, 3) trust in fake medical news regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and denying the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups I–IV differed by sociodemographic factors and vaccination coverage rates. Nearly 60% of the respondents expressed concern regarding various aspects of vaccination. Conclusions Most of Poland’s young adults lack clearly defined attitudes towards vaccination. Attitudes towards vaccination can be divided into 6 heterogeneous groups.

Keywords

EN

Poland; vaccination; factor analysis; vaccines; vaccine hesitancy; vaccine trust

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
• Year: 2023
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 214-228

Dates

published

2023

Contributors

author

Filip Raciborski

• Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)

author

Aneta Tomaszewska

• Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)

author

Kamil Rakocy

• KR Consulting, Warsaw, Poland

author

Piotr Samel-Kowalik

• Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)

author

Bolesław Samoliński

• Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)

author

Mariusz Gujski

• Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (Department of Public Health)

author

Jarosław Pinkas

• Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland (School of Public Health)

author

Mateusz Jankowski

• Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland (School of Public Health)

Identifiers

DOI

10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02068

Biblioteka Nauki

2203013