Vaccine confidence in New Zealand: understanding the influences of demographic characteristics and patient self-advocacy

• Published in: Atlantic journal of communication Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 403 - 414
• Main Authors: Croucher, Stephen M, Ashwell, Douglas, Cullinane, Joanna, Murray, Nicola, Nguyen, Thao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 26.05.2024
• ISSN: 1545-6870; 1545-6889
• DOI: 10.1080/15456870.2023.2263123

Based on uncertainty management theory, this study examined the extent to which demographic factors and patient self-advocacy predict COVID-19 vaccine confidence in New Zealand. Based on a nationally representative sample of 1852 New Zealanders, the results revealed various demographic factors and belief in one's ability to get vaccinated were significant predictors of vaccine confidence. Additionally, patient self-advocacy was a significant predictor of confidence, with individuals who seek out more information having more confidence and those who are more prone to nonadherence to provider instructions having less confidence. Implications for uncertainty management theory, vaccine confidence, patient self-advocacy, and public communication campaigns during pandemics are discussed.