Vaccinate or not - figshare.sav (198.99 kB)
The relative impact of attitudes toward autism spectrum disorders and the ability to interpret scientific information on vaccination decisions
dataset
posted on 2016-11-29, 15:03 authored by Anja Draper, Amy D. Lykins, Einar ThorsteinssonEinar ThorsteinssonBackground:
Of all
the childhood vaccines, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination has a
uniquely controversial history. The present study aimed to investigate whether
attitudes to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the ability to appropriately interpret
scientific information impacts parental decisions regarding vaccination. Method: A sample of 132 parents and
expectant parents (mean age 38.40 years; > 60% with university education) participated
in a survey related to attitudes toward and knowledge about the MMR and ASD,
and completed a standardized test of science (The American College Test). Results: Knowledge of ASD was related
to attitudes towards ASD while attitudes towards ASD were related to scientific
literacy and attitudes towards MMR. Only attitudes towards MMR predicted MMR
vaccine status (i.e., vaccination decision). Conclusion: Factors other than scientific literacy seem to
contribute towards MMR vaccine status.