A multidimensional approach to understanding vaccine hesitancy among first generation college students

Abstract

Objective: Vaccine hesitancy has increased over the past several years limiting effectiveness. The primary objective of this study was to investigate which dimensions of vaccine hesitancy are most prominent among first generation college students (FGCS), an underexplored group. Secondly, this study explored sociodemographic differences in vaccine hesitancy within this population. Given that FGCS often function as health information gatekeepers for their family, increasing our understanding of these relationships may have far-reaching effects beyond the college setting. Materials and Methods: A sample of n = 339 undergraduate FGCS completed an online survey. Vaccine hesitancy was measured using the Multidimensional Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (MVHS) and sociodemographic variables were collected. Results: Cost, fear of physical pain, and long-term health risks associated with vaccination emerged as the leading factors of vaccine hesitancy for FGCS. Unexpectedly, low frequency social media FGCS reported significantly higher vaccine hesitancy scores compared to high users. Conclusions: Increasing our understanding of vaccine hesitancy will aid public health professionals in developing more efficacious vaccine interventions for this population.