Modeling dimensions of choice in accepting the smallpox vaccine.
OBJECTIVE
To model the dimensionality of understanding refusal to be vaccinated against smallpox.


METHODS
The Smallpox Vaccination Choice Questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of students. Through a series of factor analyses, responses were subjected to a statistical evaluation of the underlying factor structure of potential influences on choice.


RESULTS
The analyses suggest 5 dimensions: knowledge, perceptions of risk and worry, psychological distress, general beliefs about vaccines, and age.


CONCLUSIONS
This model will be used to help identify targets of intervention to increase acceptance of the vaccine and satisfaction with choice.
Kaltman
Stacey
S
Department of Psychiatry, Biomathematics and Bioinformatics, Washington, DC, USA. sk279@georgetown.edu
Tractenberg
Rochelle E
RE
Taylor
Kathryn
K
Green
Bonnie L
BL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012899:Smallpox / Q000517:prevention & control; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000523:psychology
D012900:Smallpox Vaccine