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Beliefs about Vaccinations: Comparing a Sample from a Medical School to That from the General Population

Author

Listed:
  • Lauren E. Latella

    (Graduate School of Education, Fordham University, New York, NY 10023, USA)

  • Robert J. McAuley

    (Institutional Effectiveness and Technology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309-4482, USA)

  • Mitchell Rabinowitz

    (Graduate School of Education, Fordham University, New York, NY 10023, USA)

Abstract

The current study compares health care professionals’ beliefs about vaccination statements with the beliefs of a sample of individuals from the general population. Students and faculty within a medical school ( n = 58) and a sample from the general population in the United States ( n = 177) were surveyed regarding their beliefs about vaccinations. Participants evaluated statements about vaccinations (both supporting and opposing), and indicated whether they thought the general population would agree with them. Overall, it was found that subjects in both populations agreed with statements supporting vaccination over opposing statements, but the general population was more likely to categorize the supporting statements as beliefs rather than facts. Additionally, there was little consensus within each population as to which statements were considered facts versus beliefs. Both groups underestimated the number of people that would agree with them; however, the medical affiliates showed the effect significantly more. Implications for medical education and health communication are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauren E. Latella & Robert J. McAuley & Mitchell Rabinowitz, 2018. "Beliefs about Vaccinations: Comparing a Sample from a Medical School to That from the General Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:4:p:620-:d:138512
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gore, Prasanna & Madhavan, Suresh & Curry, David & McClung, Gordon & Castiglia, Mary & Rosenbluth, Sidney A. & Smego, Raymond A., 1999. "Predictors of childhood immunization completion in a rural population," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 48(8), pages 1011-1027, April.
    2. Opel, D.J. & Mangione-Smith, R. & Robinson, J.D. & Heritage, J. & DeVere, V. & Salas, H.S. & Zhou, C. & Taylor, J.A., 2015. "The influence of provider communication behaviors on parental vaccine acceptance and visit experience," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(10), pages 1998-2004.
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