Attitudes and Beliefs of the Italian Population towards COVID-19 Vaccinations

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 18;19(10):6139. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19106139.

Abstract

Background: Despite the numerous campaigns to encourage vaccination against COVID-19, the public debate and often conflicting information have left many individuals uncertain about the decision to make on whether or not to vaccinate.

Methods: This research aims to analyze the attitudes and beliefs of the Italian population towards COVID-19 and other vaccinations through a quantitative methodology. In all, 500 adults (Age M = 39.52) participated in this exploratory study with an online questionnaire conducted in April 2021.

Results: most participants believe vaccination is necessary to defeat COVID-19; there is an age-related difference in getting vaccinations, and women were more afraid of unexpected future effects than men; older participants have expressed a greater willingness to pay to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (4).

Conclusion: In light of these results, it is necessary to pay greater attention to the perplexity and fears expressed by the population, especially women and youth, in relation to vaccinations; in fact, it would help to achieve a wider adherence to the tools designed to contain the spread of viruses at the base of severe health crises.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccination; Italy; attitudes and beliefs; quantitative research.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.