METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGES WITH VOLATILE OLDER PARTICIPANTS: LESSONS FROM A VACCINE HESITANCY SURVEY
2024

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in Older Adults

Sample size: 901 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Van Vleet Bryce, Fuller Heather, Huseth-Zosel Andrea

Primary Institution: North Dakota State University

Hypothesis

How do characteristics and response patterns of volatile survey participants affect research on vaccine hesitancy among older adults?

Conclusion

The study reveals that volatile participants exhibit specific demographic traits and response patterns that complicate research on vaccine hesitancy.

Supporting Evidence

  • Volatile participants were identified through excessive anger or mistrust in their responses.
  • Younger, highly religious, and conservative individuals were more likely to be volatile respondents.
  • Volatile participants were more likely to answer controversial vaccine-related questions.

Takeaway

Some older adults are really upset about vaccines, and this can make it hard for researchers to understand their feelings about getting vaccinated.

Methodology

A mixed-methods survey was conducted with community dwelling older adults to examine vaccine perceptions and behaviors.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from the selection of volatile participants who may not represent the broader population.

Limitations

The study may not fully capture the perspectives of all older adults due to the focus on volatile participants.

Participant Demographics

Participants were community dwelling older adults aged 65 and above, with volatile respondents being younger, highly religious, and conservative.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2474

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