Jacob R. Miller

Bio: Jacob R. Miller is an academic researcher from Johns Hopkins University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 4 citations.

Behavioral and Attitudinal Correlates of Trusted Sources of COVID-19 Vaccine Information in the US

Abstract: There is a critical need for the public to have trusted sources of vaccine information. A longitudinal online study assessed trust in COVID-19 vaccine information from 10 sources. A factor analysis for data reduction revealed two factors. The first factor contained politically conservative sources (PCS) of information. The second factor included eight news sources representing mainstream sources (MS). Multivariable logistic regression models were used. Trust in Dr. Fauci was also examined. High trust in MS was associated with intention to encourage family members to get COVID-19 vaccines, altruistic beliefs that more vulnerable people should have vaccine priority, and belief that racial minorities with higher rates of COVID-19 deaths should have priority. High trust in PCS was associated with intention to discourage friends from getting vaccinated. Higher trust in PCS was also associated with participants more likely to disagree that minorities with higher rates of COVID-19 deaths should have priority for a vaccine. High trust in Dr. Fauci as a source of COVID-19 vaccine information was associated with factors similar to high trust in MS. Fair, equitable, and transparent access and distribution are essential to ensure trust in public health systems' abilities to serve the population.

Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance: another challenge in cancer patients.

Abstract: We aimed to measure the acceptability towards the COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients and to investigate determinant factors associated with the patient’s choice. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire delivered to 329 cancer patients in 3 oncology cancer centers in Tunisia between February-May 2021. Logistic regression was used to evaluate odds ratio predicting patient’s intentions toward the vaccine. Acceptance rate was 50.5%, 28.3% (n = 93) reported to definitely refuse the vaccine and 21.2% (n = 70) did not make their decision yet. High educational level, history of comorbidities, history of influenza vaccination in the current season, and patient’s opinion about the severity of COVID-19 did not predict vaccine resistance. However, patients who think that the vaccine may interfere with treatment efficacy (OR = 7.28, 95%CI [2.5–12.32]), or may impact cancer outcome (OR = 6.14, 95%CI [2.27–16.7]), were significantly more likely to refuse the vaccine. Patients who disagree that the vaccine is a major weapon against the pandemic (OR = 6.07, 95%CI [2.34–9.52]) or that it could reduce the virus transmission (OR = 7.34, 95%CI [4.22–11.81]) were also significantly more likely to reject the vaccination. Safety concerns were also significant predictive factors (OR = 7.9, 95%CI [4.10–11.27]. Confidence level in the authorities played a significant role in patient’s acceptance of the vaccine, indeed patients who are not registered (OR = 5.9, 95%CI [1.58–8.7]) or not informed about the Tunisian national vaccination platform EVAX (OR = 5.51, 95%CI [2.1–7.9]) were more likely to be against the vaccine. Cancer patient’s education about the impact of the vaccine on their disease and on the COVID-19 is needed. Governments should build strategies to gain more population confidence.

Information trust and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy amongst middle-aged and older adults in Singapore: A latent class analysis Approach

Abstract: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy presents significant challenges for public health.Vaccine hesitancy among middle-aged and older adults has been a significant barrier in Singapore's battle against COVID-19. We hypothesize that the trust middle-aged and older adults place in various sources of information influences vaccine hesitancy, and that distinct typologies of trust can be identified to better inform targeted health communication efforts.Data from a nationally representative panel survey of Singaporeans aged 56-75 (N = 6094) was utilized. Modules fielded in August and November 2020, and June 2021 were analyzed, assessing social networks, trust in sources of information, and vaccination status respectively. Predictors of vaccination status were first examined. Latent class analysis was then used to identify typologies of trust in various sources of information.Trust in formal sources of information (e.g government sources) is found to predict vaccination status among respondents. Contrary to expectations, trust in social media and informal sources (family and friends), and perceived social support did not predict vaccination status. Latent class analysis identified 4 typologies of respondents based on their patterns of trust in these sources. Significantly, it is found that a portion of respondents with low trust in formal sources of information have high trust in informal sources. The four distinct typologies of trust in sources of information are also found to predict vaccination status.Because trust in formal sources of information influences vaccination status, authorities should build trust in such sources to encourage vaccination against COVID-19. However, health communication strategies with middle-aged and older adults who have low levels of trust in the formal sources may be more effective if authorities leveraged alternative channels such as informal sources, including the social networks of such individuals. Overall, the findings suggest the need for targeted communication strategies to encourage vaccination.

Trust In Governments And Health Workers Low Globally, Influencing Attitudes Toward Health Information, Vaccines.

Abstract: Trust, particularly during emergencies, is essential for effective health care delivery and health policy implementation. We used data from the 2018 Wellcome Global Monitor survey (comprising nationally representative samples from 144 countries) to examine levels and correlates of trust in governments and health workers and attitudes toward vaccines. Only one-quarter of respondents globally expressed a lot of trust in their government (trust was more common among people with less schooling, those living in rural areas, those who were financially comfortable, and those who were older), and fewer than half of respondents globally said that they trust doctors and nurses a lot. People's trust in these institutions was correlated with trust in health or medical advice from them, and with more positive attitudes toward vaccines. Vaccine enthusiasm varied substantially across regions, with safety being the most common concern. Policy makers should understand that the public may have varying levels of trust in different institutions and actors. Although much attention is paid to crafting public health messages, it may be equally important, especially during a pandemic, to identify appropriate, trusted messengers to deliver those messages more effectively to different target populations.