COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Turkey: conspiracy beliefs, fear and stress


AYDEMİR DEV M., Barca O., BOZKURT V., BAYRAM ARLI N.

Corvinus Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, cilt.14, ss.145-164, 2023 (ESCI) identifier identifier

Özet

The aim of this study is to examine factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. An online survey was conducted to collect the data to be evaluated. The survey included demographic questions and four scales: vaccine hesitancy, fear of COVID-19, stress, and vaccine conspiracy beliefs. Four hundred and ninety-six people answered the survey in Turkey. A conceptual model was established and estimated with a structural equation model to explore the relationships. The findings identified a statistically significant direct effect on vaccine hesitancy of conspiracy beliefs, fear, and stress. Accordingly, it was concluded that individuals with a firm belief in vaccine conspiracies, high stress levels, and low fear of COVID-19 had high levels of vaccine hesitancy. This article suggests the importance of public access to accurate information and low stress levels.