Vaccine confidence in New Zealand: understanding the influences of demographic characteristics and patient self-advocacy

ABSTRACTBased on uncertainty management theory, this study examined the extent to which demographic factors and patient self-advocacy predict COVID-19 vaccine confidence in New Zealand. Based on a nationally representative sample of 1852 New Zealanders, the results revealed various demographic factors and belief in one’s ability to get vaccinated were significant predictors of vaccine confidence. Additionally, patient self-advocacy was a significant predictor of confidence, with individuals who seek out more information having more confidence and those who are more prone to nonadherence to provider instructions having less confidence. Implications for uncertainty management theory, vaccine confidence, patient self-advocacy, and public communication campaigns during pandemics are discussed. Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Notes1 A term from Māori language to denote white settlers and which now means non-Māori (usually white) citizens of New Zealand who have been born in New Zealand or have lived in New Zealand for a substantial period.2 The first main therapy using similar technology was approved by the FDA in 2018: Patisiran developed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals was approved for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of hereditary TTR-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) in adults.3 Note papers was retracted after publication.Additional informationFundingThe work was supported by the Massey Business School.