Development and validation of a questionnaire to measure motivation and hesitancy to receive the influenza vaccine

Abstract Background Influenza vaccination is critical for public health, yet understanding the interplay of motivational and hesitancy factors remains complex. Methods This study explores these dimensions among health profession students and employees at Sapienza University of Rome, leveraging a structured Likert-type questionnaire based on the Pedersen model. Results A total of 165 participants (54.5% female, the mean age was 42.84 years) were surveyed, with 12 questions focusing on vaccination motivation and hesitancy. Factor analysis identified two key constructs: motivation (e.g., family influence, self-protection, social acceptance) and hesitation (e.g., fear of side-effects, perceived pain). Motivation was strongly linked to trust in health professionals, family support, and perceived benefits of vaccination, with 93.3% agreeing that vaccination protects against illness. Hesitation was significantly influenced by fear (mean: 4.53) and pain perception (mean: 4.31). Reliability analysis revealed a Cronbach’s alpha > 0.70, confirming the internal consistency of the questionnaire, albeit with improvements upon removing items related to pain and fear. Key findings show that intrinsic factors such as health security and ethical responsibility, along with extrinsic incentives such as ease of access, drive motivation. Conversely, misinformation and fear of adverse effects hinder uptake, particularly among younger individuals. Correlation analysis highlighted significant relationships between motivation indicators (e.g., feeling protected) and hesitancy components (e.g., fear of sickness). Conclusion The study underscores the need for targeted communication strategies to address fears and logistical barriers while leveraging trust in health professionals to promote influenza vaccination adherence. These insights can inform public health policies aimed at enhancing vaccination coverage.