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Determinants of trust and acceptance of vaccines in the Dominican Republic

Abstract:

Objective. To evaluate the level of trust in vaccines and to analyze the factors that determine their acceptance in adults residing in the Dominican Republic. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2023 with 949 participants selected through face-to-face and online surveys. A non-probabilistic snowball sampling was used, with recruitment at the Dr. Hugo Mendoza Pediatric Hospital. A structured questionnaire was administered that included demographic variables, information sources, a vaccine trust index, and determinants of acceptance. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed to identify associations between variables. Results. A favorable attitude towards vaccination was observed. The average score on the index was 86.9, with 89.8% of participants expressing strong trust. Pediatricians were the most reliable source of information, especially among young and middle-aged adults. Regression analysis showed a positive association between age and rating on the index (β = 0.116; CI 95%: 0.017-0.218); and negative associations with male sex(β =-3.985; 95% CI:-6.992 to-0.921) and university-level education (β =-1.870; CI 95%:-3.632 to-0.107). Although the perceived risk of preventable disease is high, concerns about side effects persist, possibly linked to misinformation. Conclusions. Despite the high acceptance of vaccines, barriers such as lack of vaccination reminders and fear of adverse effects persist. Strengthening communication and training health professionals could increase trust in and adherence to vaccination programs, especially in certain groups.