Needle-related Fear versus Vaccination Fear, Vaccination Intention, and Declared Reasons for Avoiding Vaccination

Abstract

This study seeks to analyse the relationship between needle-related fear (NF) and vaccination fear (VF), vaccination intention (VI), and the most commonly declared reasons for avoiding vaccination (RAV). The aim was to expand the information on the subject in a pandemic context. Just before starting the vaccination plan. A cross-sectional survey was applied to a sample (N = 2,175) of adult Spanish citizens (37.60 ± 12.98 years), of both sexes (women: 67.3%). Descriptive, correlational, and regression analysis was carried out. For NF, the prevalence was 5.1%, with being a woman, aged between 20 and 40 years old, and without dependents in charge as risk factors. NF presented low but significant relationships with VF, VI, and RAVs (except the one related to vaccine efficacy). This relationship was positive with NF and RAVs and negative with VI. The results are discussed. Actions in NF are recommended to reduce VF and RAVs and increase VI.