Tıp Fakültesi Son Sınıf Öğrencilerinde Aşıya Yönelik Tutumlar ve Belirleyicileri

Objective: Healthcare workers’ attitudes toward vaccination significantly influence public vaccination behavior. This study aimed to assess vaccine-related attitudes and their determinants among final-year medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2024–2025 academic year among sixth-year students at a university’s Faculty of Medicine. The target population consisted of 261 students. Using G*Power, a sample size of 91 was calculated based on a 10% prevalence rate, 95% confidence interval, and a design effect of 1. A total of 96 students participated. Data were collected via a researcher-developed questionnaire and the Vaccine Attitudes Scale (VAS). Independent variables included concerns about vaccine content, side effects, religious beliefs, media influence, trust in community leaders, and use of alternative medicine. Demographic variables such as age, gender, and nationality were also analyzed. Results: Among the 96 participants, the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 12.5%. The mean VAS score was 58.75 ± 9.44. Univariate analyses revealed significant associations between VAS scores and Turkish citizenship (p=0.047), belief that vaccines may cause autism (p=0.004), and statements by influential leaders (p=0.012). Students who trusted scientific sources showed significantly lower levels of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Although the majority of final-year medical students had positive attitudes toward vaccination, a notable proportion (12.5%) demonstrated moderate or negative attitudes. Strengthening evidence-based decision-making skills among future healthcare professionals is essential in addressing vaccine hesitancy and improving public health.