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Exploring the Relationship between COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal and Belief in Fake News and Conspiracy Theories: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Italy

Author

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  • Giuseppina Lo Moro

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Giacomo Scaioli

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Fabrizio Bert

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Andrea Lorenzo Zacchero

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Ettore Minutiello

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Roberta Siliquini

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
    AOU City of Health and Science of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by an infodemic, which includes fake news (FNs) and conspiracy theories (CTs), and which may worsen vaccine refusal (VR), thus hindering the control of the transmission. This study primarily aimed to assess COVID-19 VR in Italy and its relationship with belief in FNs/CTs. Secondarily, it explored the conviction in FNs and CTs and associated variables. An online cross-sectional study was conducted in Italy (2021). The primary outcome was VR and secondary outcomes were FN misclassification score (0% to 100%: higher score means higher misclassification) and CT belief score (1 to 5: higher score means higher agreement). There were 1517 participants; 12.3% showed VR. The median FN and CT scores were: 46.7% (IQR = 40–56.7%) and 2.8 (IQR = 2.2–3.4). Age, education, FN, and CT scores had significant associations with VR. Education, economic situation, health and e-health literacy showed significant relationships with secondary outcomes. Study/work background had a significant association only with the FN score. FN and CT scores were associated. This work estimated a VR lower than before the first COVID-19 vaccine approval. The relationship between VR and FN/CT belief represents a new scenario, suggesting the need for planning effective strategies to tackle FNs and CTs to implement successful vaccination campaigns.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppina Lo Moro & Giacomo Scaioli & Fabrizio Bert & Andrea Lorenzo Zacchero & Ettore Minutiello & Roberta Siliquini, 2022. "Exploring the Relationship between COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal and Belief in Fake News and Conspiracy Theories: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9350-:d:876516
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kerim Peren Arin & Juan A. Lacomba & Francisco Lagos & Deni Mazrekaj & Marcel Thum, 2021. "Misperceptions and Fake News during the Covid-19 Pandemic," CESifo Working Paper Series 9066, CESifo.
    2. Andrea Moscadelli & Giuseppe Albora & Massimiliano Alberto Biamonte & Duccio Giorgetti & Michele Innocenzio & Sonia Paoli & Chiara Lorini & Paolo Bonanni & Guglielmo Bonaccorsi, 2020. "Fake News and Covid-19 in Italy: Results of a Quantitative Observational Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-13, August.
    3. Malik Sallam & Deema Dababseh & Alaa’ Yaseen & Ayat Al-Haidar & Nidaa A. Ababneh & Faris G. Bakri & Azmi Mahafzah, 2020. "Conspiracy Beliefs Are Associated with Lower Knowledge and Higher Anxiety Levels Regarding COVID-19 among Students at the University of Jordan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-15, July.
    4. Gualano, Maria Rosaria & Corradi, Alessio & Voglino, Gianluca & Bert, Fabrizio & Siliquini, Roberta, 2021. "Beyond COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Italy exploring the covid collateral impacts on healthcare services," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(7), pages 869-876.
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