Public Health Research

2

Jasmine Fields

Columbia Southern University

PUH 6301 Public Health Research

Dr. Lakina Moseley

March 28, 2023

Introduction

First, this study aims to investigate vaccine hesitancy and its impact on public health using a mixed methods approach that includes both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The survey tool will be used to gather quantitative data on vaccination rates, reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and demographic information. In-depth interviews and focus groups will be conducted with individuals who are hesitant or resistant to vaccines and healthcare providers to obtain qualitative data and understand their perspectives on the issue. Moreover, the study population will be diverse to ensure that the findings are applicable to a larger population, and purposive sampling will be used to avoid sampling bias. Additionally, this study is significant as it will provide insights into the underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy, cultural and personal factors that influence vaccine attitudes, and help in developing effective strategies to improve vaccine acceptance and protect public health.

Part 1 – Data Instrument

First, in terms of the type of research that will be used for this study, it will involve a mixed-methods approach, which combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. To collect quantitative data, a survey tool consisting of close-ended questions will be distributed online and through healthcare providers to gather information about vaccination rates, reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and demographic information. On the other hand, to collect qualitative data, in-depth interviews will be conducted with individuals who are hesitant or resistant to vaccines and focus groups will be conducted with healthcare providers to understand their experiences and perspectives on addressing vaccine hesitancy (Rutberg & Bouikidis, 2018). Yes, there will be a questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, and the use of the telephone or mail for my research on vaccine hesitancy and its impact on public health.

Along with the survey, I will be conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups with individuals who are hesitant or resistant to vaccines and healthcare providers to understand their perspectives on the issue. The study population will include individuals from diverse backgrounds and healthcare providers. This will aid in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the issue and ensure that the findings are applicable to a larger population. The significance of this study population will be the insight it will provide into the underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy and the cultural and personal factors that influence vaccine attitudes. Consequently, this will help us better understand how to address the issue and improve public health (Prior, 2018). Overall, this mixed methods approach will help to inform the development of effective strategies to improve vaccine acceptance and protect public health.

Part 2 – Data Collection Tool

Introduction:

The purpose of this study is to explore vaccine hesitancy and its impact on public health through a mixed methods approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. We will be using a survey tool to collect quantitative data and in-depth interviews to collect qualitative data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying reasons for vaccine hesitancy and cultural and personal factors that influence vaccine attitudes. Moreover, we will conduct focus groups with healthcare providers to understand their experiences and perspectives on addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Duration of Participation:

The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, while in-depth interviews and focus groups will take about 45-60 minutes.

Avoiding Sampling Bias:

We will be using a purposive sampling strategy to ensure that our sample represents diverse populations and includes individuals who are hesitant or resistant to vaccines.

Questionnaire:

1. Have you received any vaccines in the past year?

2. Have you experienced any side effects after receiving a vaccine?

3. What is your age?

4. What is your gender?

5. What is your education level?

6. Do you think vaccines are effective in preventing infectious diseases?

7. Have you heard of any myths or conspiracy theories about vaccines?

8. Do you have any concerns about the safety of vaccines?

9. Do you trust healthcare providers when it comes to vaccine recommendations?

10. Have you ever been vaccinated for COVID-19? If not, what is the reason for your hesitancy?

(Dalati & Marx Gomez, 2018).

References

Dalati, S., & Marx Gómez, J. (2018). Surveys and questionnaires.  Modernizing the Academic Teaching and Research Environment: Methodologies and Cases in Business Research, 175-186.

Prior, M. T. (2018). Interviews and focus groups.  The Palgrave handbook of applied linguistics research methodology, 225-248.

Rutberg, S., & Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research.  Nephrology Nursing Journal,  45(2), 209-213.