Investigations of attitudes towards vaccinactions in various target groups in Poland and Norway. Attitudes change in time, depending how effectively institutions maintain public trust.
Attitudes towards vaccination
I investigated attitudes towards vaccinactions in multiple surveys in Poland and Norway. During the process I learned that quantitative research (cross-sectional surveys) is only one possible approach and there is the whole area of qualitative research, developed by social scientists, which is a complementary source of knowledge. This is especially important with attitudes towards vaccination, where beliefs, values and religion plays such an important role! In my experience, Poland experienced a decline in the trust in public health institutions (and vaccinations) between 2010 and 2021, Norway managed to maintain high trust towards vaccinations. Comparing both countries, Norwegian institutions constantly work to maintain public trust and communicate openly, while Polish institutions attempt communication when something is happening.
Why does it matter?
Understanding what people think about vaccination, the most cost-efficient public health intervention, is pivotal. I think that my generation believed too fast in the "magic" of vaccination, not considering that people can have doubts and concerns, often because they are not adequately informed!
Related to
Attitudes towards vaccination in Poland:
Attitudes towards vaccination in Norway and other countries: