Underlying motivators for anti-vaccination attitudes amongst regional Sunshine Coast parents in Australia.

Abstract

The Immunisation Register of Australia reports that childhood vaccination rates in some regional areas are below herd immunity levels. This is a concern for the health and well-being of society, as regions with low vaccination rates have an increased risk of disease outbreaks. This study explored psychological motivators as predictors of anti-vaccination attitudes amongst parents living on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland), Australia. A cross-sectional survey design explored anti-vaccination attitudes, conspiratorial thinking, psychological reactance, trust in government and magical beliefs about health in 1050 parents (968 mothers). The predictor variables significantly accounted for 42% of the variance in parental anti-vaccination attitudes. The strongest predictor of anti-vaccination attitudes was lower levels of trust in government. The findings contribute to understanding of psychological factors motivating anti-vaccine attitudes in Australian parents. The findings may help inform health communication campaign effectiveness in their alignment with individual underlying motivations.