ATTITUDES TO VACCINATION: SOCIOCULTURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTEXT

Abstract

In the article, theoretically-empirically analyzes of the correlation of indecision regarding vaccination and social-cultural factors are conducted. The analyses of recent researches point out at spread of indecision regarding immunization against different infectious decisions, including Covid-19. This attitude is created by diverse causes/aspects such as own persuasions, mistrust of government, development of conspiracy theories. In the article, reasons for the emergence of indecisiveness are analyzed, the existing methodologies concerning the issue are considered, and the perspective of the investigation is proposed. The study showed the following results: 30% (n = 80) of the respondents were vaccinated, and 66.3% (n = 177) were not. At the same time, 55.2% (n = 142) consider the threat from Covid-19 as serious. Also, most of the respondents (n = 167) have a positive attitude towards vaccination and are mainly supporters of progressive values ​​(equality of minorities, tolerance towards the LGBT community, etc.). In addition, respondents who see Covid-19 as a serious threat have a positive attitude towards vaccination (p = 0.370). Summing up, the main reason for the hesitation of vaccination is adherence to traditional values. This includes religiosity, family relationships, and parent-child relationships. The main category of these subjects are people aged 25+. Also, in general, the subjects do not trust the authorities and consider their steps regarding Covid-19 to be ineffective. Perhaps this is also one of the defining points in the formation of attitudes towards vaccination, because most of the sample has a positive attitude towards vaccination, but has not decided on this step yet.