Religious Groups and Vaccination in the Dutch Bible Belt
Author Information
Author(s): Wilhelmina LM Ruijs, Jeannine LA Hautvast, Koos van der Velden, Sjoerd de Vos, Hans Knippenberg, Marlies EJL Hulscher
Primary Institution: Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
Hypothesis
How do various orthodox protestant subgroups influence vaccination coverage in the Dutch Bible belt?
Conclusion
Vaccination coverage in the Dutch Bible belt is largely dependent on the membership ratios of various orthodox protestant denominations.
Supporting Evidence
- Mean vaccination coverage in municipalities with OPDs was significantly lower than in those without.
- 84% of the variance in vaccination coverage in municipalities with OPDs was explained by the presence of these groups.
- Membership ratios of all OPDs were negatively related to vaccination coverage.
Takeaway
In areas where many orthodox Protestants live, fewer kids get vaccinated because their religious beliefs often oppose it.
Methodology
An ecological study at municipality level using data from national databases and church year books.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of OPD members living outside their municipality and the ecological fallacy in interpreting results.
Limitations
The study is ecological, meaning it analyzes data at the municipality level rather than individual level, which may not accurately reflect individual vaccination choices.
Participant Demographics
The study included all 432 municipalities in the Netherlands, focusing on those with and without orthodox protestant denominations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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