Abstract
Introduction
Vaccine hesitancy is relevant among nursing students, as they move across healthcare and university settings. Given the opportunity of social media to disseminate misleading information to users and the exposure of the digital natives, social media addiction (SMA) is considered a predictor of vaccine hesitancy, although to date no research within this specific population exists.
Purpose
To investigate the role of SMA on vaccine hesitancy in nursing students.
Design
Cross-sectional.
Method
Structural Equation Modelling was adopted to test the study's aim. The VAX scale was used among 227 nursing students in the UK regarding COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines during the period from March to July 2023. The Bergen Social Media Addiction scale was adopted to measure SMA.
Results
Statistically significant results were found between SMA and mistrust of vaccine benefits. No significant correlations were found between SMA and concerns about unforeseen future effects or a preference for natural immunity. Regarding concerns about commercial profiteering, there was a significant negative correlation for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Conclusion
Mistrust in institutions and scepticism towards vaccine benefits and commercial interests are recurring issues tied to social media. Targeting popular social media platforms for tailored vaccination campaigns is recommended to promote vaccine acceptance among nursing students.
Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care
Providing accurate and accessible vaccine information on social media platforms, promoting media literacy and engaging with individuals to address their concerns are key to promoting vaccination among nursing students.
Impact
This study provides new strategies for tailoring vaccination campaigns and policies. Public health efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy should consider the role of social media and work to provide accurate and balanced information to the public.
Reporting Method
The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted.
Patient or Public Contribution
No patient or public contribution.
Vaccine hesitancy is relevant among nursing students, as they move across healthcare and university settings. Given the opportunity of social media to disseminate misleading information to users and the exposure of the digital natives, social media addiction (SMA) is considered a predictor of vaccine hesitancy, although to date no research within this specific population exists.
Purpose
To investigate the role of SMA on vaccine hesitancy in nursing students.
Design
Cross-sectional.
Method
Structural Equation Modelling was adopted to test the study's aim. The VAX scale was used among 227 nursing students in the UK regarding COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines during the period from March to July 2023. The Bergen Social Media Addiction scale was adopted to measure SMA.
Results
Statistically significant results were found between SMA and mistrust of vaccine benefits. No significant correlations were found between SMA and concerns about unforeseen future effects or a preference for natural immunity. Regarding concerns about commercial profiteering, there was a significant negative correlation for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Conclusion
Mistrust in institutions and scepticism towards vaccine benefits and commercial interests are recurring issues tied to social media. Targeting popular social media platforms for tailored vaccination campaigns is recommended to promote vaccine acceptance among nursing students.
Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care
Providing accurate and accessible vaccine information on social media platforms, promoting media literacy and engaging with individuals to address their concerns are key to promoting vaccination among nursing students.
Impact
This study provides new strategies for tailoring vaccination campaigns and policies. Public health efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy should consider the role of social media and work to provide accurate and balanced information to the public.
Reporting Method
The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted.
Patient or Public Contribution
No patient or public contribution.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e70460 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Nursing Open |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 16 Mar 2026 |
Keywords
- information
- nursing students
- public health
- social media
- vaccine hesitancy
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