Attitudes of the Population Toward Vaccines During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The PROACTIVE Study.

Abstract

Background: Vaccination is a vital strategy to prevent infectious diseases and reduce mortality globally. However, vaccine hesitancy threatens these efforts, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding factors influencing vaccination decisions is crucial for improving public health strategies.

Objective(s): To investigate the attitudes of the Italian general population toward mandatory (e.g., HBV or tetanus) or recommended (e.g., influenza, HPV, or meningococcus) vaccinations, factors influencing vaccine uptake, and risk perceptions related to COVID-19.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study using the PROACTIVE Survey questionnaire.

Sample: The study included 411 participants aged 18-98 years from the general Italian population, recruited via convenience and snowball sampling in June 2022.

Measurements: Data included sociodemographic characteristics, adherence to vaccinations, COVID-19 experiences, preventive behaviors, and individual risk perceptions. Inferential statistics included Pearson's r correlation, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to explore correlations and differences.

Results: Adherence to preventive measures positively correlated with risk perceptions (r = 0.358, p < 0.001). Females, older individuals, and those with chronic conditions showed higher adherence to preventive behaviors. Previous adherence to vaccines correlated with greater COVID-19 preventive behaviors (r = 0.124, p = 0.012).

Conclusions: Age, gender, risk perceptions, and chronic conditions significantly influenced vaccination attitudes and preventive measures. These findings underscore the need for tailored public health strategies, especially in post-pandemic contexts, to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination campaigns.