Factors Affecting Attitudes and Behaviors Towards Vaccination

Objective There are limited number of researches to investigate the causes of vaccine rejection among adults. In this study, it aimed to invetsigate the attitudes and behaviors of adults towards vaccination. Materials and Methods The study group consisted of totally 500 patients and their relatives who applied to outpatient clinics of Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital between January 24 and February 22, 2019. The data were collected by survey consisting of five demographic questions and nine multiple choice questions investigating behavior and attitudes towards vaccination. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 20. p <0.05 was considered significant. Results The guidance of health workers is the key determinant of vaccination decision. (93.8%). Tetanus is the most common vaccine (98.6%) whereas the least is meningococcal vaccine (22.6%). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and shingles are the least administered vaccines (0.6%). Mercury in the vaccine is the most important reason that prevent people from vaccination (23.4%). If the vaccines were free of charge, 14.6% of the respondents wanted to vaccinate all the vaccines. Meningococcus (19.8%) and diphtheria (19.6%) vaccines were the least preferred. The average age (34.24 years) of those acquiring information on vaccination from the internet was significantly lower than those who did not (40.5 years) (p p<0.001). Conclusion According to our results, Information about adult vaccination is not well-known in our society. For this purpose, it is necessary for the health professionals to embrace vaccination studies in adults and expand awareness about adult vaccines by more effective use of online platforms. Hence, health managers, non-governmental organizations, universities and press should work collaboratively.