The roles of health locus of control, epistemic beliefs,vaccination beliefs, cynicism – hostility, and chemophobiain decision-making regarding self-vaccination and vaccination of children

Background. Vaccine hesitancy represents a significant challenge to public health, particularly in countries like Ukraine. This issue has been exacerbated by the ongoing military conflict, which has disrupted healthcare systems and increased societal stressors. Psychological factors such as chemophobia, health locus of control, epistemic beliefs, and vaccine conspiracy beliefs play pivotal roles in shaping attitudes toward vaccination. This study aims to identify the psychological and sociodemographic determinants influencing vaccination decisions in Ukraine, with a focus on self-vaccination and the vaccination of children. Methods. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized, involving 392 participants. Data were collected through online platforms, employing validated scales to measure chemophobia, health locus of control, epistemic beliefs, vaccine conspiracy beliefs, and cynicism-hostility. Vaccination attitudes and sociodemographic variables were also assessed. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, generalized linear modelling (polynomial logistic regression), and mediation analysis. Results. Psychological antecedents of vaccination emerged as significant predictors of vaccination rates. Collective responsibility and confidence in vaccine safety positively correlated with the number of vaccinations received, while excessive calculation—characterized by critical information seeking—negatively impacted vaccination uptake. Chemophobia, although not a mediator between psychological antecedents and vaccination behavior, independently influenced lower vaccination rates. Epistemic beliefs were not associated with adult vaccination decisions but positively influenced decisions to vaccinate children. Sociodemographic factors, including gender, age, education, and religiosity, did not significantly predict vaccination behaviours. Conclusions. This study highlights the complex interplay of psychological factors in vaccination decision-making. Emphasizing collective responsibility and trust in vaccines could enhance public health campaigns, while addressing chemophobia through targeted education may help mitigate its negative effects.