ORIGINAL PAPER
The multidimensional nature of attitudes towards preventive vaccinations – a cross-sectional survey among Poles aged 15–39 years
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1
Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
(Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology)
2
KR Consulting, Warsaw, Poland
3
Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
(Department of Public Health)
4
Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
(School of Public Health)
Online publication date: 2023-04-24
Corresponding author
Aneta Tomaszewska
Medical University of Warsaw, Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology,
Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(2):214-28
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ABSTRACT
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. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(2):214–28