Understanding the Dimensions of AntiVaccination A

Authors: Martin Leslie R Petrie Keith J

Publish Date: 2017/10/01

Volume: 51, Issue: 5, Pages: 652-660

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Abstract

Leslie R Martin Keith J Petrie Understanding the Dimensions of AntiVaccination Attitudes the Vaccination Attitudes Examination VAX Scale Annals of Behavioral Medicine Volume 51 Issue 5 October 2017 Pages 652–660 https//doiorg/101007/s121600179888yTwo studies were conducted using the VAX scale For Study 1 participants were 409 individuals 53 female with a mean age of 345 years For Study 2 participants were 92 individuals 67 female with a mean age of 286 Participants answered paperandpencil questions about their attitudes toward vaccines prior and expectedfuture vaccination behaviors perceived sensitivity to medicines online behavior and basic demographic information Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with correlations and t tests then used to assess the scales reliability and validityFour distinct but correlated vaccine attitudes were identified 1 mistrust of vaccine benefit 2 worries about unforeseen future effects 3 concerns about commercial profiteering and 4 preference for natural immunity These factors were significantly related to prior vaccination behavior future intentions to obtain recommended vaccinations perceived sensitivity to medicines and the tendency to obtain health information onlineThe VAX scale provides an efficient method for identifying those with vaccination resistance and the four subscales enable a more nuanced understanding of the nature of those views It should be noted however that the strong correlations amongst the four subscales suggest that interventions should target all four attitude areas and it remains to be seen whether differential emphasis across the four areas is warranted

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