Attitudes of Nursing Students and Non- Medical Students Toward Vaccination

Abstract

Introduction. despite the scientifically proven positive effect on the population, vaccination remains a major public health problem. The biggest problem at the moment is that attitudes are based on other people’s opinions or various scientifically unfounded information obtained via the internet.Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes and level of knowledge about vaccination of nursing students and non-medical students in Croatia and establish whether there is a difference between them.Methods. The study involved 961 nursing and non-medical students from Croatia, aged between 18 and 53 years. The research was conducted using an online questionnaire program ‘google forms’ which consisted of 33 questions and was completely anonymous.Results. The study shows that nursing students have better knowledge of vaccinations and vaccines. They also have a statistically more positive attitude towards vaccination in comparison to non-medical students. When it comes to obtaining information about vaccines, as in existing studies from around the world, the participants in this study stated that they first turn to doctors and nurses for information related to vaccination and its side effects.Conclusion. The results of this study show that nursing students have better knowledge. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the attitudes of nursing students and students of non-health studies, but the numerical difference is very small, which actually shows a very small difference in attitudes. educational and health institutions play an important role in forming attitudes, as well as the importance of presenting accurate, clear, and proven information.