Factors influencing adolescents' attitudes towards vaccination

Objectives  This study aimed to determine the predictors of death anxiety and vaccination attitudes among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze the association between these variables.

Materials and methods  This cross-sectional, analytical, and descriptive study included 270 adolescents. Data were collected using the Revised Death Anxiety Scale, and a researcher-designed questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Results  Vaccination rates varied significantly based on maternal education, with 90 % of unvaccinated adolescents having mothers with undergraduate degrees. Adolescents whose mothers were unemployed had the highest unvaccinated rate (78 %). 13 % of adolescents with health professional parents were unvaccinated. Vaccinated adolescents had higher testing rates for suspected COVID-19 (p = 0.016). Vaccination was significantly associated with the death of a relative from COVID-19 (p = 0.048), and fear of dying from COVID-19 was higher in vaccinated adolescents (p = 0.003). A strong correlation was also found between the fear of losing a loved one and vaccination status (p = 0.001).

Conclusions  The study suggests that adolescents' anxiety regarding COVID-19 is strongly associated by the perceived risks of transmission and severity. Consequently, addressing these anxieties and providing clear information about vaccination as a preventive measure may enhance vaccination rates. Additionally, parental education and occupation should be considered as key factors in shaping adolescents' health behaviors and decisions.

Keywords
Covid-19; Adolescent; Death anxiety; Vaccine; Healthcare worker