The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccine Literacy and Sociodemographic Characteristics on Vaccine Attitudes in Nursing Students in Turkey

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health problem. Vaccination is important in controlling this epidemic. However, there are many reasons that cause hesitations about vaccination in the society. Unfounded information and statements about the COVID-19 vaccine are examples of these reasons. The attitudes of nurses and nursing students, who are one of the society’s true sources of information about vaccines, are strong enough to affect vaccination rates. For this reason, it is important to examine the effects of vaccination literacy and sociodemographic characteristics of nursing students who will provide health services on vaccination attitudes. Objectives: To examine the effects of nursing students’ COVID-19 vaccine literacy and sociodemographic characteristics on COVID-19 vaccine attitudes. Methods: The research is descriptive and relational. The data collection form consists of an introductory information form, COVID-19 vaccine literacy and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine. The data collection form was shared online in communication groups of nursing students. 503 nursing students were included in the study. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 25 package program using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Results: The COVID-19 vaccine attitudes of the students are affected by gender, father’s education level and the type of vaccination. It has been determined that COVID-19 vaccine literacy has a positive effect on vaccine attitude. Conclusion: Supporting the ability of nursing students to reach the right information in developing a positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine, keeping the training on the COVID-19 vaccine up-to-date and informing their parents will contribute to the vaccination rates. © 2023, Dokuz Eylul University. All rights reserved.