Pre-Vaccination COVID-19 Vaccine Literacy in a Croatian Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ivana Gusar, Suzana Konjevoda, Grozdana Babić, Dijana Hnatešen, Maja Čebohin, Rahela Orlandini and Boris Dželalija
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Ivana Gusar: Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, 23000 Zadar, Croatia
Suzana Konjevoda: Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, 23000 Zadar, Croatia
Grozdana Babić: Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, 23000 Zadar, Croatia
Dijana Hnatešen: Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Maja Čebohin: Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Rahela Orlandini: Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
Boris Dželalija: Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-10

Abstract: Despite world-level efforts and the endeavors of scientists and medical professionals in suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate levels of vaccine literacy of the general population can represent a grave obstacle. The aim of this study was to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine literacy in the Croatian adult general population before vaccination began. The specific objectives were to test differences regarding socio-demographic characteristics and to examine perceptions and attitudes about vaccination against COVID-19 considering the level of VL against COVID-19. A cross-sectional study with a translated and psychometrically tested questionnaire was conducted in 1227 participants before the start of vaccination, from 15 to 31 January 2021. The results show a medium level of vaccine literacy (M = 2.37, SD = 0.54) and a significant difference between functional and interactive-critical vaccine literacy ( p < 0.001). The level of vaccine literacy grew with the level of education ( p = 0.031) and reduced with age ( p < 0.001). Participants who were employed, had chronic diseases, took medicine, or consumed alcohol daily had a lower level of vaccine literacy. There is room for progress in the COVID-19 VL level for the adult population in Croatia, especially at the interactive-critical VL, which could have an important role in people accepting the vaccine against the COVID-19 disease. A satisfactory level of vaccine literacy in the population is necessary because it can contribute to the fight against the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; vaccine literacy; vaccination; pandemic; general population (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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