Anti-Vaccine Status in a Selected Groups in Antalya

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether there are anti-vaccine groups and if there are, to evaluate the factors related to the anti-vaccine movement. Material and Methods: This study was carried out at a university hospital and 3 major shopping centers in the city of Antalya in January 2016. The non-probability sampling method was used and 500 individuals participated in the study. The dependent variable of this study was the anti-vaccine status. Independent variables were age, gender, educational status, marital status, child ownership, perceived income, and attitudes and knowledge levels related to vaccination practices and schedule. The data were evaluated by using the SPSS for Windows version 13.0 and the chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: 6.2% of participants in the study identified themselves as anti-vaccine. Anti-vaccine status was found to be higher in low-income and middle school and lower education level individuals. conclusion: The majority of participants were satisfied with the vaccination practice and they were aware that anti-vaccine groups are also a threat. The presence of anti-vaccine groups that could affect herd immunity was determined by this study. It is important to carry out training studies for these individuals who were found to have low levels of education.