Cornelia Betsch1, Birte Bödeker2, Philipp Schmid3, Ole Wichmann4. 1. CEREB - Center of Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Nordhäuser Str. 63, 99089 Erfurt, Germany. Electronic address: cornelia.betsch@uni-erfurt.de. 2. Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. 3. CEREB - Center of Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Nordhäuser Str. 63, 99089 Erfurt, Germany. 4. Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The attitude towards vaccination is a major determinant of vaccination behavior; this also includes parents' attitudes towards the immunization of their child. Negative attitudes have been associated with vaccine hesitancy and outbreaks of infectious diseases throughout the globe. This study aimed to assess how and why attitudes become more pro-vaccine or vaccine-skeptical over time, and which sources are especially influential in this process. METHODS: Prospective cohort study with measurements at time of recruitment during pregnancy and at +3, +6 and +14 months after childbirth with cross-sectional control groups. In total, 351 women entered the longitudinal analyses, while 204, 215 and 173 women were recruited in the cross-sectional control groups, respectively. Inclusion criteria were: (i) being at least 18 years of age, (ii) pregnant, (iii) primigravida, and (iv) living in Germany. RESULTS: During pregnancy mothers reported rather positive prior experiences with vaccinations. However, their judgment turned significantly more negative after the first vaccination experience with their child. Mixed-effects models showed that these changes were significantly related to increased risk perceptions and concerns about vaccination, which then had a negative impact on the vaccination attitude. In contrast, gaining more vaccine-related knowledge over time positively influenced attitude formation. CONCLUSIONS: During the first year of their child's life maternal attitudes towards vaccination are formed and guide future decisions whether to vaccinate or not vaccinate a child. Strategies should be implemented that improve mothers' experiences when their newborn is vaccinated to prevent the development of vaccine hesitancy.
BACKGROUND: The attitude towards vaccination is a major determinant of vaccination behavior; this also includes parents' attitudes towards the immunization of their child. Negative attitudes have been associated with vaccine hesitancy and outbreaks of infectious diseases throughout the globe. This study aimed to assess how and why attitudes become more pro-vaccine or vaccine-skeptical over time, and which sources are especially influential in this process. METHODS: Prospective cohort study with measurements at time of recruitment during pregnancy and at +3, +6 and +14 months after childbirth with cross-sectional control groups. In total, 351 women entered the longitudinal analyses, while 204, 215 and 173 women were recruited in the cross-sectional control groups, respectively. Inclusion criteria were: (i) being at least 18 years of age, (ii) pregnant, (iii) primigravida, and (iv) living in Germany. RESULTS: During pregnancy mothers reported rather positive prior experiences with vaccinations. However, their judgment turned significantly more negative after the first vaccination experience with their child. Mixed-effects models showed that these changes were significantly related to increased risk perceptions and concerns about vaccination, which then had a negative impact on the vaccination attitude. In contrast, gaining more vaccine-related knowledge over time positively influenced attitude formation. CONCLUSIONS: During the first year of their child's life maternal attitudes towards vaccination are formed and guide future decisions whether to vaccinate or not vaccinate a child. Strategies should be implemented that improve mothers' experiences when their newborn is vaccinated to prevent the development of vaccine hesitancy.
Authors: Matthew Z Dudley; Rupali J Limaye; Saad B Omer; Sean T O'Leary; Mallory K Ellingson; Christine I Spina; Sarah E Brewer; Allison T Chamberlain; Robert A Bednarczyk; Fauzia Malik; Paula M Frew; Daniel A Salmon Journal: Hum Vaccin Immunother Date: 2020-02-20 Impact factor: 3.452
Authors: Clara Rubincam; Devon Greyson; Constance Haselden; Robin Saunders; Julie A Bettinger Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2022-02-05 Impact factor: 3.295