Exploring COVID-19 conspiracy theories: education, religiosity, trust in scientists, and political orientation in 26 European countries

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: Oct. 23, 2023

Abstract The COVID-19 virus disseminated globally at an accelerated pace, culminating in a worldwide pandemic; it engendered proliferation of spurious information and plethora misinformation conspiracy theories (CTs). While many factors contributing to the propensity for embracing ideation have been delineated, foremost determinant influencing individuals’ proclivity towards CT endorsement appears be their level educational attainment. This research aimed assess moderating effect religiosity, trust scientists, political orientation on impact education people’s belief COVID-19-related CTs Europe by considering both individual-level country-level contextual covariates CT. We analysed data from newest European Social Survey (ESS10) round conducted between September 2020 2022 26 countries. found religiosity weakens, scientists strengthens education, while is not straightforward. result also demonstrates significant negative correlation aggregate respondents supporting vaccination cumulative excess deaths Europe. concluded with recommendation that planning effective public health strategies campaigns are insufficient when based solely as beliefs moderate education.

Language: Английский

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TikTok content on measles-rubella vaccine in Jordan: A cross-sectional study highlighting the spread of vaccine misinformation

Narra J, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4(2), P. e877 - e877

Published: July 26, 2024

Social media platforms, including TikTok, have become influential sources of health information. However, they also present as potential for the spread vaccine misinformation. The aim this study was to assess quality measles-rubella (MR) vaccine-related contents on TikTok in Jordan and analyze factors associated with A systematic search MR conducted using pre-defined keywords a specified time range. Content metrics (likes, comments, shares, saves) were collected while content information evaluated modified version DISCERN, validated instrument by two expert raters. average DISCERN score ranged from 1, denoting poor content, 5, indicating excellent content. total 50 videos 34 unique creators formed final sample. majority created lay individuals (61.8%), followed TV/news websites/journalists (23.5%), healthcare professionals (HCPs) (14.7%). Cohen κ per item range 0.579-0.808,

Language: Английский

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Perceived benefits, information, vaccination history, and conspiracy beliefs as significant determinants of RSV vaccine acceptance among Arab seniors

Therapeutic Advances in Vaccines and Immunotherapy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant respiratory health risk to senior citizens, contributing substantially hospitalizations and mortality. With the recent approval of three RSV vaccines for elderly, it is critical understand factors that can shape vaccination attitudes inform public strategies enhance uptake among this vulnerable population. Objectives: This study aimed investigate potential could influence toward citizens in Arab countries. Design: A multinational cross-sectional study, adhering STROBE guidelines, was conducted using survey instrument previously validated through exploratory factor analysis assess newly approved vaccine. Methods: self-administered online distributed conveniently mainly across five The collected data on demographics, history, key constructs related vaccine attitude, including “Fear,” “Information,” “Accessibility,” “Benefits,” “Conspiracy.” Results: total 483 participants were included with majority from countries: Jordan ( n = 239, 49.5%), Kuwait 74, 15.3%), Egypt 68, 14.1%), Saudi Arabia 51, 10.6%), UAE 23, 4.8%), alongside other nations 28, 5.8%). Among respondents, 51.1% 247) expressed acceptance vaccine, 22.4% 108) hesitant, 26.5% 128) exhibited refusal. Multivariate identified perceived benefits (β 0.484, p < 0.001), information needs 0.229, previous history 0.087, 0.016) as positive predictors acceptance. Conversely, stronger conspiracy beliefs −0.083, 0.035) associated resistance. Fear accessibility not attitudes. Conclusion: findings showed benefits, access reliable information, are essential promote seniors. These recommended improve

Language: Английский

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Willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and associated factors in Migori County, Kenya: Analysis of cross-sectional observational survey data

PLOS Global Public Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 5(3), P. e0003699 - e0003699

Published: March 13, 2025

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the daunting challenge of vaccine hesitancy. We aimed to describe attitudes towards virus containment and vaccination in rural Kenya. Identifying factors associated with willingness be vaccinated information sources health worker outreach, will allow for targeted programming prevention methods. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational survey. study conducted Migori County, 7,196 heads households were surveyed between May 3, 2021 June 25, 2021. primary outcome receive vaccine. Results 5,386 total (74.8%) willing get COVD-19 vaccination. Those tested if experiencing symptoms (AOR=7.51, 95% CI=3.04-18.55, P-value<0.001) those who believe everyone should according national schedule (AOR=18.91, CI=6.76-52.88, more likely recommendation Ministry Health highest factor vaccinated, 27% (1942) reporting this extremely influenced their decision. Nearly half respondents (3047, 42.3%) believed there is possibility that global conspiracy. None demographic analyzed Discussion contribute new Kenyan community. Measuring against covariables selected based on previous literature programmatic experience provides hyper-local improve regional future preparedness organizations working similar environments.

Language: Английский

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Perceived social risks and farmers’ behavior in using urban wastewater in their farms

Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 20, P. 100301 - 100301

Published: Sept. 22, 2023

An alternative source of water in drought conditions is treated urban wastewater which can be used the cultivation some crops if properly managed. However, farmers consume it with no regard to its treatment, will have dangerous consequences for health humans and environment. Accordingly, this research aimed study farmers' behavior using considering perceived social risks. The was conducted on Sistan plain, Iran (N = 6000). sample (361 farmers) taken by proportionally allocated stratified randomization technique. extended Health Belief Model (HBM) investigate behavior. results revealed that risks (health, environmental, socio-ethical risks) had significant effects HBM components. Also, susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy positive wastewater. may practical policymaking designing interventions modifying behaviors

Language: Английский

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Socioeconomic Inequalities in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Greece and Cyprus during the Pandemic

Vaccines, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(8), P. 1301 - 1301

Published: July 31, 2023

Despite the rigorous investigation of phenomenon vaccine hesitancy and refusal during COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic determinants this remain poorly investigated on a global scale. Following proportional quota sampling, we conducted population-based cross-sectional study. We recruited participants on-site online from different settings, regions, strata in two Eastern Mediterranean populations, Greece Cyprus. Our approach provided nationwide sample (n = 576) approaching adult population structure countries, with slight underrepresentation men older people. results indicate clear differences vaccination coverage, consistent wider social inequalities health. In particular, reveal gradient characterized by lower higher increasing educational attainment income. Additionally, residing semi-urban areas show have coverage than those urban rural areas. could inform Public Health approaches aiming to tackle alarming enabling targeting groups who are particularly vaccine-hesitant, rendering such more targeted effective while at same time reducing control prevention infectious diseases.

Language: Английский

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Promoter or barrier? Assessing how social media predicts Covid-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy: A systematic review of primary series and booster vaccine investigations

Social Science & Medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 340, P. 116378 - 116378

Published: Nov. 17, 2023

Language: Английский

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Conspiracy Theories, Trust in Science, and Knowledge during the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cyprus

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 20(17), P. 6710 - 6710

Published: Sept. 4, 2023

Conspiracy theories flourish during periods of crisis. One way to counteract the believability conspiracy is trust in science and knowledge about “perceived threat”, such as SARS-CoV-2 virus. A total 363 adults from Cyprus were recruited via convenience snowball sampling methods. The data collected an internet-based questionnaire that examined participants’ belief 17 theory statements, scientists, symptoms spread virus, phobic anxiety, hostility, somatization, personality traits based on Big Five. results suggest (a) overall low, even though a notable percentage holds neutral stance towards these theories; (b) virus negatively related theories, indicating importance trusting having means (c) young adults, those residing rural areas, with low education level are more likely believe (d) there no significant associations between psychological dimensions somatization; (e) difficulty identifying specific ideation. Public health officials could benefit findings when communicating information

Language: Английский

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Determinants of vaccination decisions and lived experiences of Ghanaians with the COVID-19 pandemic; a qualitative study

Vaccine X, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17, P. 100463 - 100463

Published: Feb. 20, 2024

Two years after the WHO declared a state of emergency as result rapid spread COVID-19 virus from Wuhan, China, rate new infections experienced intermittent flare-ups globally, with vaccinations still ongoing in countries such Ghana. One year implementation Ghana's vaccine deployment program, Ghanaians have had opportunity to reflect on their vaccination decisions, albeit initial hesitancy. The current paper examined knowledge and lived experiences during pandemic, factors influencing one commenced Ghana, special focus social geographical histories which influenced decisions. A qualitative approach using case study design was used conduct in-depth interviews among 25 respondents who were 18 above, not pregnant, willing participate study, between 5th 23rd September 2022. Data collected 5 hotspot areas Ghana highest cumulative counts. semi-structured interview guide collect data analyzed thematic approach. Respondents demonstrated good level related vaccines. Fear, panic, anxiety some by pandemic. decisions included conspiracy theories about vaccines, subjective notions disease, vaccine. type community in, taboos, previous successful programs geographic that informed respondents' decision vaccinate or not. Social circles, religion, opinion leaders, media-based campaigns

Language: Английский

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Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Epistemic Antecedents: A Meta-Analysis

Health Communication, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 12

Published: Nov. 25, 2024

Although much attention has been given to vaccine hesitancy, there is still considerable ambiguity regarding its epistemological antecedents. The current meta-analysis addresses this theoretical and practical gap by focusing on the interplay between trust, belief in conspiracy theories, COVID-19 hesitancy (k = 32), as well key moderators such availability of state progress pandemic. Overall, results indicate that while both trust beliefs theories are important correlates difference emerges when adopting a more granular approach distinguishes types (government, public health organizations, science, healthcare professionals/providers) conspiracies (specific versus general). These findings cement importance communication, not only useful framework study understand but also potential way intervene order prepare for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Language: Английский

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