Primary Care Education Improves Digital Vaccine Literacy and Reduces Hesitancy: A Randomized Trial

Uçar M., Yiğit M. F.

Research on Social Work Practice, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1177/10497315261456592
  • Dergi Adı: Research on Social Work Practice
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Social Sciences Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: digital vaccine literacy, eco-anxiety, perceived vulnerability, Primary health care, vaccine hesitancy
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a structured primary care-based education program on vaccine hesitancy, digital vaccine literacy, eco-anxiety, and perceived vulnerability to disease among parents of children aged 0–2 years. Method: A randomized controlled, parallel-group pretest–post-test design was used. A total of 178 parents (intervention = 93; control = 85) were included. The intervention group received a 4-week structured education program, while the control group received routine care. Data were collected at three time points and analyzed using mixed-design analysis of variance. Results: Significant time × group interactions were found for all variables (p < .001). Vaccine hesitancy and eco-anxiety decreased, while digital vaccine literacy and perceived vulnerability significantly increased in the intervention group. Effects were sustained at follow-up. Discussion: Primary care-based education may be an effective and sustainable strategy to improve vaccine-related cognitive and emotional processes and reduce hesitancy among parents. Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT07381088); registered January 25, 2026.