Behaviors and attitudes of individuals applied to Ankara University school of medicine family medicine outpatient clinics about vaccination

Aim: The aim of our study is to assess the vaccination attitudes and behaviors of individuals who applied to Ankara University School of Medicine Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics regarding themselves and their children if any. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with individuals aged 18 years and older who applied to Ankara University School of Medicine Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics between November 01st, 2021, and February 01st, 2022. The sociodemographic questionnaire, the questionnaire on vaccination behaviors, and the Turkish version of the Scale of Vaccine Hesitancy Short Form were used to collect data. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 26.0, Chicago, IL.). The results were considered significant at p<0.05. Results: Of the 361 participants, 56.2% were female and 43.8% were male. The mean age of the participants was 35.81±10.82. Participants stated that they mostly considered the recommendation and opinion of the specialist physician in their vaccination decision with a rate of 62.3%. 86.4% of participants had received the Covid-19 vaccine. The most important reason for those who had not received the Covid-19 vaccine was their mistrust of the vaccine, with a rate of 40%. When offered vaccination, 22.2% of the study participants refused. The main reasons for refusal were mistrust, considering the vaccine as unnecessary, and concern about adverse effects. Of the 240 participants with children, 10.8% stated that they did not want their child to receive a vaccine even though it was on the vaccination schedule. Reasons for not vaccinating parents included mistrust of the vaccine, fear of being vaccinated against Covid-19 without the parent's knowledge, and worries about the child getting sick. 28.2% of parents had received a special vaccine for their children. The mean total score of the Scale of Vaccine Hesitancy of the study participants was 28.19±9.56. The total Scale of Vaccine Hesitancy score of the participants who had poor income status and were self-employed was found to be higher (p<0.05). Participants who did not receive the Covid-19 vaccine, those who did not accept the recommendation to vaccinate, and those who did not have their children vaccinated with a vaccine in the vaccination schedule had higher total scores on the Scale of Vaccine Hesitancy (p<0.05). Conclusions: In our study, it was found that individuals mostly considered the recommendations and opinions of physicians in their decision to be vaccinated. Among the reasons for vaccine refusal, mistrust comes to the fore. All physicians, particularly primary care physicians, should take a role in informing individuals about the safety of vaccines and reducing vaccine hesitancy. Key words: Immunization, adult, child, vaccine hesitancy, anti-vaccination