Modification and Validation of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale for Turkish Adult Vaccination

Abstract

Background and Purpose:For public health, it is important to investigate vaccine hesitancy, determine populations reluctant for vaccines, and investigate barriers and facilitators for vaccination in these groups. This study aims to modify and validate the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale specific to adults in Turkish society.Methods:The study, which was designed as a methodological and survey type, was conducted using a Google questionnaire with 720 participants who met the inclusion criteria with a convenient sampling method.Results:After factor and reliability analysis, a 2-factor, 10-item scale with an acceptable and perfect range of fit index values emerged. It has been observed that individuals who are young, single, do not have children, have vaccine allergy, do not believe that the vaccine will protect the society, are adversely affected by the environment, and do not have COVID-19 and flu vaccine have a high level of hesitancy to vaccine.Conclusions:The Vaccine Hesitancy Scale is a valid and reliable tool to detect vaccine hesitation in adults in Turkish society.