Conspiracy beliefs, COVID-19 vaccine uptake and adherence to public health interventions during the pandemic in Europe

Author:

Regazzi Luca1ORCID,Lontano Alberto1,Cadeddu Chiara1ORCID,Di Padova Pasquale2ORCID,Rosano Aldo2ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Largo Francesco Vito 1 , Rome 00168, Italy

2. National Institute for the Analysis of Public Policies (INAPP) , Rome, Italy

Abstract

Abstract Background Conspiracy beliefs can be a major hindrance causing a lack of compliance with public health measures, including vaccination. We examined the relationship between individual attitudes, socio-demographic factors, conspiracy beliefs, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and preferences about pandemic policies in Europe. Methods We used data from the 10th round of the European Social Survey, conducted in 2021–22 in 17 European countries. Both a conspiracy index and a personal attitude index for each participant were built by using a Latent Class Analysis model. Then, we used a multilevel regression model to investigate the relationship between a personal attitudes index, socio-demographic factors and country of residence, and a conspiracy index. We descriptively analyse the relationship between the conspiracy index and four main items related to COVID-19. Results We found that a higher probability of believing in conspiracy theories was associated with male gender, middle age, lower levels of education, unemployment, lower levels of trust and satisfaction and right-wing political orientation. The country of residence was a contextual factor, with eastern European countries having higher levels of conspiracy beliefs. Individuals who expressed conspiracy beliefs had lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake, were less satisfied with the way health services coped with the pandemic and less supportive of governmental restrictions. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the factors associated with conspiracy beliefs and their potential impact on public health. The findings highlight the need for effective strategies to address the underlying factors driving conspiracy beliefs, reduce vaccine hesitancy and promote acceptance of public health interventions.

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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